Updated 1:58

According to Western Athletic Director Wood Selig, Western officials have spoken to former Western player and former Cleveland Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel about becoming the next head football coach at Western.

However, Selig said Crennel is not interested in the position but told Selig that he would be willing to assist in the search for a new coach.

“We will not hesitate to utilize his knowledge,” Selig said.

Selig also said that it was purely coincidence that Elson was fired on Monday, following Homecoming weekend and the induction of Crennel into Western’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Selig said Wednesday afternoon that there are currently about 50 candidates that have expressed interest in the position.

He said the candidates range from multiple NFL assistant coaches, several dozen coordinators as well as current head coaches.

“I have been pleasantly surprised at the level of interest,” Selig said.

Selig said that he and the search committee met until about 10:30 p.m. last night following Western’s men’s basketball game.

Western fired David Elson amidst an 0-9 season in the Toppers’ first season as a bowl eligible member of the Sun Belt Conference.

For more on Western’s search for a new football coach visit wkuherald.com and read Friday’s Herald.