Holt leaving Vandals to join Linehan in St. Louis

University of Idaho football coach Nick Holt has accepted an assistant coaching position with the St. Louis Rams, UI athletic department sources confirmed late Saturday night.

Holt initially turned down a chance to join new St. Louis coach Scott Linehan’s staff, sources said, but Linehan returned with an enhanced offer later in the week and Holt accepted.

An official announcement from the school is expected Monday.

Holt and Linehan have a long association. They worked together as assistants on John L. Smith’s staff at Idaho in the early 1990s. Linehan is a godparent to one of Holt’s sons. Greg Olson, another former Vandal assistant who has joined Linehan’s staff as offensive coordinator, is a godparent to Holt’s other son. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Saturday that former Idaho quarterback Doug Nussmeier, an assistant coach with Smith at Michigan State, is discussing the Rams’ quarterback coaching job with Linehan.

Holt’s decision to leave comes just days after the Vandals announced a recruiting class of 20 players. During a Wednesday conference call, Holt said one of the reasons for Idaho’s success in recruiting was due to the stability on his staff the last two years.

Attempts to contact Holt were unsuccessful Saturday night.

Holt is expected to coach the Rams’ defensive line. Linehan has hired former New Orleans head coach Jim Haslett as defensive coordinator, as well as former Saints assistants Rick Venturi (linebackers) and Willy Robinson (secondary).

Holt was 5-18 in two seasons at Idaho.