MOSCOW, Idaho – Interim University
of Idaho football coach Jason Gesser met with the media Monday morning as he
assumes his role in leading the Vandals into the final four games of the 2012
season.
Gesser, at times emotional, was optimistic
in his assessment of his position and the progress the Vandals can make during
the final month of the season.
“It's been a whirlwind,” Gesser
said. “Obviously a lot of mixed things going on right now with myself
internally and with the team; just taking it minute by minute and second by
second. That's all you can do right now.”
Gesser said the biggest change, in
addition to juggling the role of head coach along with offensive coordinator
and quarterbacks coach, is where he will be on game day. In the past, he has
called the offense from the press box. As head coach, he likely will move to
field level. He said he will rely heavily on the veteran staff surrounding him –
in particular fellow coordinators Gordy Shaw (offensive line and run game
coordinator), Mike Levenseller (passing game coordinator and receivers), and
Mark Criner (defensive coordinator and linebackers).
The Vandals have a bye this week
before returning to Western Athletic Conference play Nov. 3 against San Jose
State for Idaho's annual Dads' Weekend football game. It's a blessing, Gesser
said, to have a bye this week.
“It's all about us being together,
about us stepping forward,” he said. “It's having each other's back. We have to
rely on each other. We have to be there for each other. It's about doing what
is best for the team.
“A player that makes a team great
is a lot better than a great player. That's what we need right now. Players
that are going to make the team great.”
Gesser was elevated to offensive
coordinator last spring after serving as the Vandals running backs coach in
2011. He was an All-American quarterback at Washington State University and
played professionally in the NFL and CFL before making his way into the coaching
ranks.
“We're going to hurt but we're
also going to put our best foot forward,” he said.
