1. Odegard: Hathcock's departure just a rumor

   Friday, January 2, 2009 10:27 am

   All those rumors that Mesa Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock is headed to Phoenix Mountain Pointe or Mesa Dobson are just that - rumors. As of now, Hathcock said he’s very happy with everything at Desert Ridge and would have to be bowled over with an offer to consider leaving.

Tribune Coach of the Year candidates

Jeremy Hathcock, Desert Ridge football

Desert Ridge at Basha

Desert Ridge head coach, Jeremy Hathcock talks to reporters after his team defeated Basha, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler. [Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Desert Ridge's J.J. Husr fights yards while playing Basha, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler.[Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Basha quarterback Zach Werlinger is tackled by Desert Ridge defenders Lamond McCoy,near, and Charlie Murphy, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler. [Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

During half-time Basha kicker Ricky Carrillo warms-up, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler. [Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

A Desert Ridge band member warms up before their pre-game show, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler.[Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Desert Ridge's Taren Morrison is brought down by Basha's Justin Solomon and Boston Whitlow Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler.[Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

A victorious Desert Ridge raise a coach in the air after defeating Basha, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler. [Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Desert Ridge cheerleaders perform for their fans as their team takes on Basha, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler.[Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Basha Air Force Junior ROTC members wait to present the colors at the beginning of the Basha and Desert Ridge football game, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler. [Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Desert Ridge's Taren Morrison is stopped by Basha's Dalton Krum in first quarter Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler. [Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Basha running back breaks free to score a touchdown late in their game against the Desert Ridge, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler.[Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Jaguar J.J. Husar is tackled by Basha defender Dalton Krum in the second quarter, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012.

Desert Ridge at Basha

Desert Ridge quarterback Travis Long runs the ball against Basha, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler.[Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Basha quarterback Zach Werlinger attempts a pass to Ronnie Querry, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler. The pass was incomplete. [Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Desert Ridge quarterback Josh Ferguson looks for daylight in late third quarter while taking on Basha, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler. [Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

Basha fans show their support for their team and breast cancer awareness by wearing pink, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler.[Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Basha

The Basha football team takes the field to face the Desert Ridge, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Chandler.[Jerry Burch/Special to Tribune]

Hamilton vs Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge head coach Jeremy Hathcock talks with coordinators in the press box during action against Hamilton in the Division I playoff semi-final game on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. [Ralph Freso/For the Tribune]

Westview at Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge quarterback Brendon Smith is talked to by coach Jeremy Hathcock on the sideline while playing Westview in a playoff game, Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 in Mesa. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Skyline

Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock watches his team from the sidelines as they take on Skyline, Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 in Mesa. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Desert Ridge at Hamilton

Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock on the sideline in the first quarter during the game against Hamilton, Friday, Sept. 14, 2012 at Hamilton High School in Chandler. [Brant Clinard/ Special to the Tribune]

Desert Ridge football

Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock talks to his team before a spring football practice on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 in Mesa.

Red Mountain at Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock, center, walks with his players to the field to take on Red Mountain , Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 in Mesa. [Tim Hacker, Tribune]