ASU gets OK to talk to Erickson

Arizona State’s search for a new football coach continued Friday with one prominent name falling off the list and Idaho’s Dennis Erickson still squarely in the picture.

Sun Devils athletic director Lisa Love formally requested permission to speak to Erickson, Idaho athletic director Rob Spear said. Spear granted his permission, but wasn’t certain when a meeting would take place between Erickson and Love.

“I don’t know any of the details on their end,” Spear said. “I would think by the end of the weekend.”

Erickson didn’t return phone messages. Love has declined to comment since the onset of the search to replace Dirk Koetter.

The Arizona Republic, which listed Mike Price as the likely front-runner Thursday, had an update on its Web site with the headline, “Momentum swinging toward Erickson.” The paper suggested one or more of the leading candidates could interview this weekend with a selection announced Monday.

Oregon State coach Mike Riley, listed as one of three probable finalists along with Erickson and ex-Washington State coach Price by the Arizona Republic on Thursday, told OSU athletic director Bob De Carolis he wasn’t interested in Arizona State, the Oregonian reported on its Web site Friday.

Erickson and Price, now at UTEP, have acknowledged speaking with ASU officials. Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow has also been interviewed. Former college and NFL coach Steve Mariucci has also been mentioned.

In ASU’s last significant coaching search, Love made a surprising hire with men’s basketball coach Herb Sendek, a name that hadn’t appeared on any media lists.

Erickson coached Idaho from 1982-85, compiling a 32-15 record. After coaching stops at Wyoming, Washington State, Miami, Seattle, Oregon State and San Francisco, Erickson’s career came full circle when he returned to Idaho in February. The Vandals finished 4-8, 3-5 in the Western Athletic Conference for a sixth-place finish.