RoughRiders CEO Jauch hopes he doesn't have to find new coach

CEDAR RAPIDS - Jeff Jauch knows about as much as most everyone else.

"I have not officially heard what is going on," the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders President/CEO said Wednesday afternoon.

Speculation continues to fly surrounding RoughRiders Coach/General Manager Mark Carlson, who was in Massachusetts on Tuesday to interview for the UMass head coaching position. Carlson confirmed Monday night to The Gazette that he was a candidate for the job, which has been open for three weeks, since the resignation of Don Cahoon.

College Hockey News reported Tuesday that Carlson has been offered the UMass job, though another published report quoted UMass Athletics Director John McCutcheon as saying no one had received an official offer. Carlson was not the only candidate interviewed Tuesday.

Messages to him have not been returned. Jauch said he had not talked to his coach since Monday.

"He's one of the best hockey coaches around," Jauch said. "I'd be naive to think that he wouldn't get offers. He is a great coach. I hope he stays. But if he goes, we'll wish him the best and thank him for everything that he has done here."

Carlson has been the only Coach/GM the RoughRiders have had since relocating from Mason City for the 1999-2000 USHL season. He won his 400th career game two seasons ago, leading the Riders to the 2005 Clark Cup championship and the 2011 Anderson Cup title for most regular-season points.

He and wife, Tammy, became partial owners of the franchise three years ago.

The RoughRiders also announced their 2012-13 schedule Wednesday. They open the season Sept. 29 at Green Bay, then come home for their next five games, including the home opener Oct. 5 against Fargo.

Here is the schedule:

The 2011-2012 RoughRiders Game Schedule