For the second time in two years, a longtime University of Denver head golf coach has departed and been replaced by a highly regarded assistant coach with strong DU ties.
Sixteen months after Sammie Chergo stepped down after 15 years as DU women’s head coach and was replaced by her former longtime assistant, Lindsay Kuhle, Eric Hoos exited as DU men’s head coach after 15 seasons and was succeeded by former Pioneer women’s associate head coach Erik Billinger.
A DU press release said Hoos “resigned from the position to pursue other professional opportunities.”
Hoos (pictured above) led the DU men to three league titles during his coaching tenure, including this year’s Summit League championship. The Pioneers also won the season-opening Ram Masters Invitational in September. Since taking the DU job in 1999 after being an assistant at the University of Colorado, Hoos guided the Pioneers to nine team victories, 17 individual wins and nine NCAA regional appearances.
Reached Monday evening, Hoos didn’t want to elaborate much on the situation, but did say, “It was a fun run. Not many coaches get to spend 15 years at one place. I wish Erik the best.”
Hoos is a graduate of Fairview High School and the University of Arkansas. His professional playing career was highlighted by a victory on what is now the Web.com Tour. In 2011 and ’13, Hoos was the low amateur at the HealthOne Colorado Senior Open.
“The University of Denver community thanks Eric for his years of dedication and the leadership, passion and energy he provided to the golf program,” Peg Bradley-Doppes, vice chancellor of athletics and recreation, said in the press release. “We wish him much success with his future endeavors.”
Billinger (left) played golf at DU after transferring from CU, winning a Sun Belt League individual title as a Pioneer in 2001 and qualifying for two NCAA regionals.
He said he was “very surprised” at the recent turn of events. Billinger indicated he heard about Hoos’ resignation on Friday morning and was offered the job on Friday afternoon.
“I have a little mixed emotions,” Billinger said Monday in a phone interview. “I’m sad Hoos is leaving, but I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m glad the university felt highly enough of me to be a leader. Both my wife (Megan) and I graduated from DU, so we’re excited.
“But there’s lots and lots going on today. It’s a little crazy.”
After helping out with the DU men’s and women’s programs for two years following his graduation in 2002, Billinger worked as a PGA instructor for 10 years at Highlands Ranch Golf Club before becoming a DU women’s assistant coach in 2012. (Highlands Ranch Golf Club was gifted to DU in 2011.) This year, the DU women’s team, under Kuhle and Billinger, won its 11th consecutive league title. And senior Tonje Daffinrud finished 10th individually in the NCAA Championship Finals.
Though Billinger helped coach the DU women in the last two seasons, he’s quite familiar with the men’s team. The women’s and men’s squads traveled together to this year’s Summit League tournaments, and they both practice at Highlands Ranch Golf Club and at an indoor practice facility at the Ritchie Center.
Asked about his coaching approach, Billinger said he was going to “try to make the environment positive and enthusiastic.”
Billinger was the Colorado PGA’s Player of the Year in 2008 and Teacher of the Year in 2010 and ’12.
