Interim head football coach Mike Hankwitz yesterday became the last candidate to interview for the permanent head coaching job, which athletics director Jim Livengood said he expects to fill by Monday.

Hankwitz, who met with Livengood, UA President Peter Likins and associate athletics director Kathleen "Rocky" LaRose, said he was glad to have the opportunity to convince the department to remove the interim tag from his title.

"All I hoped through the whole process was that I'd get a chance to present myself, and they gave me that opportunity and that's all I can ask," Hankwitz said. "Now I just have to let the chips fall where they may."

The athletics department has interviewed five candidates for the job: Hankwitz, New York Giants defensive coordinator Johnnie Lynn, Cincinnati Bengals linebackers coach Ricky Hunley, University of Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops and Southern California offensive coordinator Norm Chow.

"The people we've interviewed so far, we've been very impressed with," Livengood said.

Livengood reiterated that the final decision will be announced by Monday, but said he did not know if any more interviews would take place between now and then.

Chris Del Conte, the UA's senior associate athletics director for external operations and sports programs, had one word to classify Hankwtiz's interview.

"Outstanding," he said. "It's uncertain at this point. We'll see as we go forward."

Hankwitz said he wants the opportunity to continue to build the Wildcat football program.

"I'd like the chance to make it better permanently," he said.

Livengood would not tip his hand as to which candidate the department is leaning toward hiring, saying it would be inappropriate to do so. Regardless of the decision, Hankwitz said he can walk away from the UA helm feeling good about what he and his team have accomplished since John Mackovic was fired on Sept. 28. In the six games since Mackovic's firing, Hankwitz has led the team to a 1-5 record, with the lone win coming against Washington.

"I feel like I can hold my head up," he said. "I feel like we worked our butts off and we got better. The program is in better shape than when I took it over, and no matter what happens, I think I can sleep soundly feeling like I helped make things better."

Hankwitz said it would probably be in the best interest of the team if the coaching announcement is withheld until after Friday's game against Arizona State in Tempe.

"I suppose, maybe ideally, it might be better, just so all the focus is on the game," he said. "If they have to name (a head coach) before then for other reasons, I can't criticize them for doing that."

Del Conte added that the most important thing the football program and fans should be worrying about is this week's matchup against the Sun Devils.

"For right now, instead of speculating on who the coach should be, we should look at beating ASU this week," Del Conte said. "I think the best thing to do is let the kids play it out, let them have their opportunity for the seniors to go out on top. The kids deserve that."

Lynn pleased with interview

Lynn, who was busy last night coaching the Giants defense on Monday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said he was pleased with his interview with the UA athletic department this past weekend.

"I thought my interview went very well," Lynn said. "I'm grateful that President Likins and his staff gave me the chance to discuss the position with them and share my thoughts and ideas."

Lynn, who was an assistant coach at Arizona from 1987-93, said he wouldn't mind coming back to Tucson as the main man.

"I view this as a great opportunity to come home to my coaching roots," he said.