Vandals’ search for coach expands
Another day, another name emerges in the University of Idaho’s search for a head football coach. Perhaps even two or three names.
Portland State head coach Tim Walsh confirmed that he had a one-hour phone interview Friday with Vandals athletic director Rob Spear.
“I’m definitely interested,” said Walsh, who has a 90-67 record in 14 seasons at Portland State. “I don’t know where it stands. Right now, I’ve had a good conversation with Rob.”
Walsh is on a list of candidates at Idaho that seems to change by the day. Others believed to be involved are ex-Michigan State assistant head coach Blaine Bennett, Washington State defensive coordinator Robb Akey and San Diego coach Jim Harbaugh.
Another name apparently in the picture: Rutgers offensive coordinator Craig Ver Steeg. He has been at Rutgers for four seasons. He previously assisted at Utah (2001-02), Illinois (1997-2000), the Chicago Bears (1996-97), Harvard (1994-95) and Cincinnati (1990-93). Ver Steeg worked with Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano on the Bears’ staff.
Ver Steeg began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at USC, his alma mater, in 1984.
Ver Steeg couldn’t be reached for comment.
Idaho has also talked with Coeur d’Alene native Mike Cox, an ex-Michigan State assistant and former Vandals linebacker. Cox interviewed recently for the Idaho State job that went to John Zamberlin. Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant Art Valero, a former UI assistant, has been mentioned, but attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.
Bennett interviewed Thursday in Moscow. Akey sat down with UI officials Saturday, not Thursday as previously reported. Harbaugh reportedly interviewed Friday at Stanford, temporarily putting his Idaho candidacy on hold.
Ex-UI coach John L. Smith and Montana State coach Mike Kramer pulled their names from consideration earlier this week. Smith was dismissed in November as Michigan State’s head coach. Bennett and Cox were members of Smith’s staff.
Walsh said he hasn’t been invited to Moscow, but that could change in the near future with Idaho not expected to select a coach until next week.
“I’m hoping he (Spear) calls,” Walsh said.
Walsh, who turns 52 today, led Portland State to a 7-4 record in 2006. The Vikings knocked off I-A New Mexico in Albuquerque. The Lobos went on to earn a spot in the New Mexico Bowl. The Vikings lost to Cal and Oregon of the Pac-10 and fell to Montana and Montana State in the Big Sky.
Portland State was an NCAA Division II member when Walsh took over. He guided the Vikings’ transition into the I-AA Big Sky in 1996. The Vikings have had seven winning seasons since 1999. PSU has made one I-AA playoff appearance under Walsh.
Walsh’s staff includes defensive ends coach Josh Fetter, a former Vandals linebacker, and wide receivers coach Steve Broussard, a former WSU running back.