Adam Breske is in his fourth season as Idaho's inside linebackers coach and third as the program's special teams coordinator. Breske was hired in May 2018, joining the Vandals from the University of Sioux Falls to coach alongside his father, Mike, who is Idaho's defensive coordinator.
Despite injuries and protocols, the Vandal defense was outstanding in the spring of 2021. Led by First Team All-Big Sky selections Christian Elliss and Tre Walker, the Vandals led the Big Sky in rushing defense by a significant margin. Walker would go on to lead the conference in tackles, with Elliss close behind. Five other Vandals earned All-Big Sky honors on defense in the spring of 2021, including newcomer Fa’Avae Fa’Avae taking home honorable mention accolades.
The special teams unit was one of the best in the nation. Punter Cade Coffey earned Stats Perform FCS All-America Second Team honors after posting a net punting average of nearly 44 yards per punt. Sophomore returner Nick Romano earned All-Big Sky honors for the second time. Coffey also earned the honors as a kicker, after setting the program record for field goal percentage at 90 (9-of-10).
In 2019, the linebackers stepped up. Christian Elliss and Walker both earned All-Big Sky honors, while several others saw tremendous improvement.
Breske’s work with special teams stood out immediately. Three special teamers earned all-conference accolades, including freshman Nick Romano as a first team selection at kick returner. Cutrell Haywood (punt returner) and Coffey (punter) also earned all-conference accolades.
In his first season with the Vandals, Breske helped Christian Elliss make the transition from a reserve outside linebacker to Idaho's starting middle linebacker. Elliss went on to lead the team with 81 tackles and earn All-Big Sky Third Team recognition. Breske also oversaw the development of freshman linebacker Tre Walker, who played in all 11 games with two starts.
Breske is a 16-year coaching veteran, including 13 years at the collegiate level. He spent the 2017 season at Sioux Falls coaching linebackers and special teams, his second stint with the school (2005-06). The 2006 season saw Breske coach the linebackers and special teams during the Cougars' NAIA National Championship run and perfect 14-0 season.
In 2016 he was the defensive line coach at Missouri Valley College. Breske was on staff at South Dakota from 2007-15, including a stint as the defensive coordinator.
Breske's coaching career began at Central High School in his hometown of Greeley, Colo., while working toward his bachelor's degree in communication from Northern Colorado (2004). He earned his master's degree in 2009 from South Dakota. Breske and his wife, Danielle, have a son, Dylan, and a daughter, Layla.
