Requirement for M. Golf job: Must have graduated kindergarten

A Division I coach has to be adept at recruiting, fundraising, and scheduling, among others.

For the new men's golf coach, add that seminal skill for five-year-olds -- sharing -- to the list.

As in, sharing a coach, which is what the new hire will be doing. Penn is looking to hire a paid golf assistant, but the assistant will split time between the men's and women's programs, while reporting to Director of Golf/women's coach Francis Vaughn.

It's the first time since at least 2001 there's been any kind of assistant coach for golf, and probably earlier than that, although I'm having trouble finding records. I think women's squash is now the only sport that competes without an assistant coach (or half of one, at least). Assistants can come and go fairly frequently though, so my guess (and Penn's athletic directory) could be off.

Call it a step forward for the golf programs, but not a huge one. At just $12,000 per year with no benefits, this new coach will be a footnote on Steve Bilsky's budget. And like many assistant positions, it's only a 9-month gig, so no guarantee the golf teams will get the same arrangement next year.

As for programs sharing coaches? As far as I know, there are only two other arrangements like that at Penn. Men's and women's fencing is one. Men's and women's swimming and diving also share, although it's probably easier for them. They have three assistant coaches, if you count diving coach Julie Van Deusen.

Speaking of vacancies, Penn's post for men's tennis head coach went up but has since been taken off. Apparently the athletic deparment has found its candidates...but who knows whether that means Penn's actually close to announcing a hire. There's also no post up for the head men's golf job, so Penn could be coming down the home stretch on that one as well.