UPDATED

Three days after the close of spring football, Idaho coach Paul Petrino is suddenly in the hunt for two new defensive assistants. Read on for our brief story.
 

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Defensive line coach Patrick Libey and linebackers coach Mike Anderson – two former Vandals with ties to UI's previous coaching staff – resigned over the weekend, just after the Silver and Gold game. Both cited the desire to pursue other opportunities in a UI media release.

Anderson, who was hired in December after four years as an aide at Washington, will leave coaching to manage a startup company in Lewiston, his hometown. The former Idaho linebacker and defensive end was a graduate assistant under Robb Akey in 2008.

"It was a difficult decision – especially since I was at my alma mater," he said. "I was approached by some investors and decided it was a great opportunity within a market that is untapped."

"I want to thank Coach Petrino for the opportunity and wish him and the Vandals the best of luck."

Libey was one of two holdovers from Akey's staff. He had moved to defensive line coach under Petrino after working with the safeties and special teams previously.

He told Petrino he was leaving on Sunday, a source told The Spokesman-Review.

"I want to thank the University of Idaho and the football program for everything they have done for me," said Libey, a Spokane native. "It has been an enjoyable career but it is time now for me to pursue other opportunities."

The departures leave the Vandals with just two defensive assistants – Ronnie Lee, who serves as defensive coordinator and secondary coach, and cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens.

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