ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are still waiting to see if they can interview Mike Maddux before they decide on who their next pitching coach will be.

Maddux is currently the Brewers' pitching coach, but his contract expires Friday. The Brewers, who named Ken Macha as their manager Thursday, have offered Maddux a new contract -- but he has yet to accept. They expect the situation to be resolved Friday.

The Rangers have already interviewed Rick Peterson and Dave Wallace, and they are still considering Andy Hawkins, who held the job for the final two months of the season after Mark Connor was dismissed at the end of July. Hawkins could also end up as the bullpen coach.

Peterson was recommended by Rangers manager Ron Washington. They were on the Athletics' coaching staff together from 1999-03. Macha was also on that coaching staff for four years before becoming the A's manager in '03. Peterson left after the '03 season to become the Mets' pitching coach.

Maddux got his start as a pitching coach for the Round Rock Express, a Minor League team owned by Rangers president Nolan Ryan. Maddux was with the Express in 2000-02 before joining the Brewers.

The Rangers have asked for permission to speak with Maddux, but they were turned down by the Brewers. Texas no longer needs permission once Maddux's contract is up Friday.

Finding a pitching coach is next on the Rangers' offseason agenda, but there is also another pressing decision facing them. Now that the World Series is over, the Rangers have to decide if they'll pick up a $6.2 million option on infielder Hank Blalock for next season, or pay a $250,000 buyout that would make him a free agent.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels has indicated on several occasions that the club is likely to pick up the option, but a formal decision has yet to be announced. Blalock has drawn some trade interest from other teams, as the Giants and the Mariners have both expressed interest.