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News Nuggets, 02.09.06
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Circuitous journey finds Erickson back in Idaho

Dennis Erickson returned to the University of Idaho on Wednesday when he was introduced as the Vandals’ head football coach.

“I’m excited to be back in the state and around these people I’ve known for a long time,” Erickson said. “There aren’t many times you have an opportunity to come back and finish where you started.”

Erickson previously was UI’s head coach from 1982-85, an era that came to define his reputation as one of college football’s most innovative offensive minds and one that launched the Vandals to their most successful years as a football team. It wasn’t, however, his first stop in Moscow — he was Ed Troxel’s offensive coordinator for the Vandals in 1974 and 1975.

“I am delighted that Coach Erickson will be the head football coach at the University of Idaho,” said Tim White, UI president. “Our student-athletes deserve the opportunity to develop and play under the tutelage of a proven, seasoned and successful head coach. I was in leadership roles at Oregon State University during Dennis’ renewal of the football program in Corvallis, and know first-hand of the positive impact he had on the entire fabric of the university, its alumni and supporters.”

Erickson’s successes in the college ranks at Idaho, Wyoming, Washington State, Miami and Oregon State are documented in his record, which includes 145 victories, 56 losses and one tie.

Of his 17 college teams, 14 competed in post-season competition and two — the 1989 and 1991 Miami Hurricanes — were national champions. His teams also won five bowl championships.

Erickson spent six years of the NFL as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers.

“This begins the next chapter in Vandal athletic history,” UI director of Athletics Rob Spear said. “Coach Erickson’s hiring underscores our commitment to winning championships in the Western Athletic Conference. It’s incredible to have a coach of Dennis’ stature assume control of our program.”

Erickson was a three-year letterman at Montana State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. As quarterback, he twice was honored as an All-Big Sky Conference quarterback and was an honorable mention All-American as a senior.

Colorado State athletic director steps down

Mark Driscoll Colorado State University's athletic director since August 2003, announced Wednesday his resignation and decision to return to his banking career, according to the school's athletic web site.

Driscoll will resume his previous position as president of First National Bank in Fort Collins. He will remain at Colorado State through March 31.

"Mark Driscoll has been a tremendous supporter of Ram athletics and we thank him for his years of service to Colorado State athletics," said President Larry Edward Penley. "Since his days as a Ram quarterback, he has been an outstanding booster and representative of the university. We wish him the best."

Penley said that he is appointing a search committee and has begun a national search for a new director. Chuck Neinas of Neinas Sports Service, Inc., has been asked to serve as a consultant in the search. Neinas, based in Boulder, is one of college sports' most well-known advocates and promoters. He is a former College Football Association executive director and an advisor to the American Football Coaches Association.

Neinas was involved in East Carolina's most recent AD search.

If a new athletic director is not able to be named by the end of March, Christine Susemihl, currently senior associate athletic director and a longtime employee of Colorado State athletics, has agreed to serve as interim athletic director. Susemihl previously served as interim athletic director before Driscoll was hired.

C-USA Basketball Standings, Scores & Schedule

News Nuggets are compiled periodically based on material supplied by staff members; data published by ECU, Conference USA and its member schools; and reports from Associated Press and other sources. Copyright 2005 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Page Updated: 02/23/2007 12:45 PM