Vandals Hold Search Party Only The Like-Minded Need Apply As Idaho Looks For Football Coach

Idaho’s next football coach won’t break from Vandal tradition, UI athletic director Pete Liske said late Tuesday.

“The main message is that I’m firmly convinced there is no necessity to go away from the Vandal style and way of doing things,” Liske said by telephone from San Diego. “We will stay within the Vandal network and we believe that is the way to go from a professional standpoint. It’s proven and it wins.”

Idaho coach John L. Smith accepted the Utah State job on Tuesday, taking with him at least five assistants. They are Art Valero, Nick Holt, Artie Holmes, Paul Petrino and Mike Cox.

UI has formed a nine-member search committee, but Liske will apparently do most of the screening and interview work. He said he plans to travel to meet prospective candidates, because it would be easier than returning to Moscow and bringing in candidates. He refused to identify possible candidates but said he is paring down a list of about a dozen names.

Valero’s name is expected to surface for Idaho’s job, but a source close to him said Valero “has indicated he probably won’t pursue it.” Valero hadn’t been able to reach Liske as of Tuesday evening and didn’t know where he stood as a possible replacement.

Holt’s departure prompted the question of the status of his wife, Julie, the Vandals women’s basketball coach in her first season. In a statement released Tuesday, Julie Holt said: “I’m staying until the end of the year. At the end of the year, we’ll evaluate our situation and make a decision.”

Idaho’s football search will probably center on Chris Tormey, Washington assistant; Gregg Smith, Miami assistant; Tim Lappano, Cal assistant; and Scott Linehan, assistant at Washington. All have extensive ties to UI as players or previously as assistant coaches.

It’s believed Linehan might join Smith at Utah State if he isn’t considered for the Vandal job.

Idaho has enjoyed great success since 1982 when Dennis Erickson took over the program. He was succeeded by Keith Gilbertson, who was replaced by Smith. All were Erickson disciples and believers in the one-back offense.

Other names that may become involved at UI are Kent Baer and Dan Cozzetto, Arizona State assistants; and Bill Doba and Larry Lewis, Washington State assistants.

Facing critical recruiting days in the next month, Liske said Idaho will move swiftly and could name a successor by later this week.

Liske said he was disturbed that he didn’t learn of Smith’s departure until roughly noon Tuesday. “It’s upsetting, but I know John tried real hard to get to me,” Liske said.Smith said he hasn’t endorsed anyone as his successor.

UI president Elisabeth Zinser said Liske will head the steering committee and be in charge of managing football operations while a coach is being selected. Vandal assistant Jim Senter is staying on at UI and will continue recruiting efforts, Zinser said.

Senter said he has an offer to join Smith at Utah State, but hasn’t decided.