MOSCOW, Idaho - A search is under way at the University of Idaho to replace football coach Dennis Erickson, who has accepted the head job at Arizona State University.
"The University of Idaho will always be a special place to me and I would like to thank everyone who supported me in my return," Erickson said. "President Tim White and Athletics Director Rob Spear are doing all the right things to advance the University of Idaho's athletics program and I do believe we made progress this past season. But I am being pulled by an opportunity at Arizona State."
Erickson previously served as Idaho's head football coach from 1982-85 and returned in February 2006 to coach the Vandals.
"I'm disappointed to see Dennis leave because, even over the course of several months, he's had a positive impact on our program, the student-athletes, the campus community, and our alumni," University of Idaho President Tim White said. "We wish him and his family well with the new challenges at Arizona State."
Under Erickson, the Vandals posted a 4-8 record this season, with a 3-5 record in the Western Athletic Conference.
"We are disappointed Coach Erickson has decided to accept the job at Arizona State," Idaho Director of Athletics Rob Spear said. "We will continue to build on the momentum that was established this past year and move quickly to identify the right coach for our football program."
About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state's flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. The only institution in the state earning the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity, University of Idaho researchers attract more than $100 million in research grants and contracts each year. UI's student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Its high academic performers include 42 National Merit Scholars and a 2006-07 freshmen class with an average high school grade point average of 3.42. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, UI combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
