Bob Huggins and Dana Holgorsen have become friends, fishing buddies, partners in conversation and exchangers of experiences. It’s logical because coaches like to be around coaches, but Huggins really does like Holgorsen, to the point of initiating occasions to hang out, and the feeling is mutual.

Some similarities have been discovered and they do actually share a philosophy of simplicity when it comes to coaching. These are the things you find, discuss and shape when you hang out with people who do the same things you do. Same as a cooks or stylists or journalists hanging out. Yet Huggins, the person, is a little or a lot like Holgorsen the person, too.

Consider the past of Bob Huggins and all the things he’s done and been through throughout his career. There is a perception that exists and endures. He’s walked through the valley and, in the view of many, in the view of those who know him and who matter most to him, he’s come out on the other side of it.

Dana Holgorsen? Oh, there’s a perception and if it didn’t exist before that casino thing in May, it certainly does now. If it did exist, it was enhanced by the thoughts of others. And that was just the part between the bookends, before his promotion to head coach and after his introduction as the coach-in-waiting. Neither was universally accepted by the masses and Holgorsen is silently soldiering through with the help of those close to him. If Huggins could help, if he could suggest things Holgorsen might do, if he hasn’t suggested them already?

“He should probably do everything I didn’t,” Huggins said.

And that’s the key. They can be friends and confidants and lend an ear to each other when the situation requires, but they can’t be the same people. Not to say it’s a bad idea to emulate Huggins, but it’s a bad idea for Holgorsen to be anyone but himself.

“I’m not one of those guys who’ll sit here and talk to you and walk away and say, ‘Man, that guy’s a jerk,’ ” Huggins said. “I’m probably more prone to tell you to your face.

“It’s like those guys who stand on the sideline and clap the whole game and then go to the locker room and lose their minds and scream and come back out there and stand and smile and clap again and everyone says, ‘Oh, what a great guy to play for.’

“That’s not true. You can’t fool people.”