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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jaynes Off To Chattanooga; UI Begins Search For A.D.

The athletic director’s job at the University of Idaho is open again, but perhaps not for long.

Idaho’s Oval Jaynes announced Monday he has accepted the A.D. position at Tennessee-Chattanooga. His move had been anticipated because Jaynes and his wife, Priscilla, have numerous relatives in the South.

Jaynes, 57, was at Idaho for 15 months. He will remain at UI until early-to-mid-February. Associate A.D. Kathy Clark will serve as interim A.D.

“As late as Sunday afternoon, I wasn’t sure I would go,” Jaynes said. “I talked to Mom and Dad late Sunday night and I could just tell they were looking forward to having us close to home.”

The search for Jaynes’ replacement could move swiftly. UI president Bob Hoover will appoint a search committee this week. A selection could come within six weeks.

Names that might surface include Mike Marlow, UI assistant A.D. for development; former Gonzaga A.D. Dan Fitzgerald; and John Glass, associate A.D. at Utah State.

“I would like to eventually advance within the department,” Marlow said. “If this is the right time, wonderful. If it’s down the line, that would be fantastic, too.”

Fitzgerald, 56, declined to comment.

The other finalists when Jaynes was selected were Bob Stull, now an assistant A.D. at Washington; Cincinnati associate A.D. Jim Shaus; and Utah assistant A.D. Peter Hart. It wasn’t immediately known if any of those three are interested.

Unlike the departures of ex-basketball coach Kermit Davis and, to a lesser degree, former A.D. Pete Liske, Jaynes’ exit isn’t generating a predominately negative public reaction.

Idaho hired Jaynes in October of 1996 hoping his experience could help resolve UI football’s classification predicament. Jaynes did so - with a huge helping hand from Washington State’s administration - as the NCAA granted Idaho a two-year waiver to Division I-A last week.

In a UI press release, Hoover lauded Jaynes’ contribution in landing the waiver.

Jaynes’ decision to leave is understandable, given family circumstances. His parents live in North Carolina, about 4 hours driving time from Chattanooga. Jaynes’ son, daughter-in-law and 2-year-old grandson live in Knoxville.

Jaynes mother, 81, is in failing health. His dad, 83, had surgery in December. Priscilla’s mother is in a nursing home in North Carolina.

“This is the first time since I left Auburn (12 years ago) that an opportunity has intrigued me to return to the Southeast,” Jaynes said.

Tennessee-Chattanooga chancellor Bill Stacy said Jaynes will be paid $95,000 annually. Stacy said length of the contract hadn’t been finalized, but it will probably be between three to five years.

“I think he’s first-rate,” Stacy said.

Jaynes thanked more people than a Golden Globe winner for making his stay enjoyable at Idaho. “Part of me will always be a Vandal,” he said, after reading a long list of thank-yous.

Idaho hopes to find a successor quickly as it continues wrapping up details to play home football games at WSU’s Martin Stadium in 1999. UI also is cementing future football schedules.

Idaho and WSU are close to announcing the renewal of their rivalry. It’s possible the two will play in ‘98, depending on whether other games can be adjusted to new dates.

Idaho’s next A.D. faces several challenges. UI must average 17,000 attendance at home football games in 1999 to solidify its I-A status. And women’s basketball coach Julie Holt is expected to leave after this season to join husband, Nick, an assistant football coach at Louisville.

, DataTimes