Gerad Parker's time at West Virginia did not overlap there with that of Darl Bauer, but it would seem Parker heard plenty of good things about the veteran strength coach.
Multiple sources tell FootballScoop that Parker has identified and targeted Bauer as his top choice to become Troy's director of strength and conditioning for Parker's football program.
Bauer, who left West Virginia in January 2019 to accompany Dana Holgorsen to Houston just months before Parker arrived as a Mountaineers assistant, logged more than a decade with Holgorsen between West Virginia and Houston.
Bauer also served as a strength coach at Eastern Michigan; prior to his transition to the collegiate level, Bauer headed strength programs at multiple prep programs in Michigan and also gained experience as an on-field assistant coach.
He has more than 16 years' experience at the collegiate level.
Parker prioritized Bauer as he worked to assemble his inaugural Troy staff.
The work to finalize a deal with Bauer continues the impressive opening week as a head coach for Parker, who's positioned the program to add Dontae Wright and Nathan Burton into his top two defensive positions, moved to add the program's new general manager and also worked to make a key hire for the Trojans' recruiting and personnel department, sources told FootballScoop.
Troy wrapped up its 2023 season with a bowl loss to Duke, 17-10.
The Trojans are scheduled to open the Parker era Aug. 31, 2024, at home against the Nevada Wolf Pack in an intersectional contest. They travel a week later to Memphis before a daunting road-trip against Power 5, Big Ten resident Iowa.