Troy Purcell and Paul Petrino have reunited on the football field. Once teammates at Carroll College, Petrino reached out to Purcell to coach Idaho's inside linebackers shortly after Purcell notched his fourth state high school title in Montana.

“We're very excited to have Troy,” Petrino said. “He'll bring great knowledge, enthusiasm and fire to our defense. That will be exciting.”

Purcell's and Petrino's roots go back to their high school days at Helena's Capital High School. Both graduated in 1986. While Petrino headed to the college ranks after graduating from Carroll, Purcell started on a path that led to an immensely successful career at three Montana high schools.

He capped his high school career with his third state title at Bozeman High School. The championship wrapped up a 13-1 season and was Bozeman's fourth state championship game appearance. Under Purcell, Bozeman, in 2010, won its first state title since 1917. It added another one in 2013 – to cap a perfect season, to add to Purcell's collection.

“I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to join Coach Petrino,” Purcell said. “We've grew up together in football and have very similar styles.”

In addition to his success at Bozeman, he also coached Havre to a state championship in 2004 – its first in 36 years.

Purcell and his wife, Krista, have one daughter, Brooklyn. In addition to his degree in Elementary Education and Health Enhancement, he has a master's degree in Learning Development from Montana State-Northern.