MOSCOW, Idaho The Nick Holt era began officially at the University of Idaho with Mondays announcement of his hiring as the 31st head football coach for the Vandals.
This is a great opportunity, Holt said. This is what Ive been working for for 17 years. You get in this profession and you say, Someday Im going to run my own program and be my own guy and have my own philosophy. Im excited about the opportunity.
Ive learned under some great, great coaches. Ive seen a couple systems take hold and work. I really have a good blueprint on how to do things and Im real fortunate I had such mentors as John L. (Smith) and Chris (Tormey) and especially Pete Carroll.
Holt returns to Moscow after a six-year hiatus, which includes three seasons at top-ranked and Rose Bowl-bound USC under Carroll and three at Louisville with Smith. He was defensive coordinator for Tormey at UI from 1995-97.
This is an exciting day for Vandal football, said Rob Spear, UIs interim director of athletics. The process may have taken a little longer than we initially planned but we believe strongly the extra time was well worth it in our ability to hire a coach of Nicks caliber.
After our interview with Nick, there was no doubt we had our man. We just needed to convince him.
Holt said he had some bases to cover before making the decision to return to the school where hed spent eight years as an assistant.
I had to talk it over with my family and talk it over with my boss at USC (Pete Carroll), Holt said. It took some decision- making because I was at the best place in America working for the best head coach in America.
But, there comes a point where you have to do things your way. You only get so many opportunities in life. This is a great opportunity. I love it here.
Holt, who was linebackers coach at USC, returns to Moscow the day after the Trojans climbed to No. 1 in both the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN Top 25 polls. The Trojans are the Pac 10s best in rushing defense and scoring defense both big selling points for Spear and interim UI president Gary Michael. Counting this years Trojans, Holt will have coached six successive bowl teams.
We wanted someone from a proven program with a proven system, Spear said. We also wanted someone with strong ties to the Northwest and someone who shares our vision and passion for the University of Idaho.
Nick is that and more. He also brings a national reach as far as recruiting and in his ability to build a staff.
Holt said his top priorities over the next 10 days are to define his staff, get to know the players on campus, and hit the recruiting trail.
Holts ties to UI are strong. He coached UIs defensive line from 1990-93 and was the Vandals defensive coordinator from 1994-1997. He doubled as defensive line coach in 1994 and as linebackers coach for the remainder of his UI tenure. His wife, Julie, was UIs womens basketball coach for four seasons.
Memories of those days were a big part of the draw for Holt to the UI job.
Its a great town, he said, but its the people. Its the tradition. Its the Vandal family. Its a really special place. People dont realize that until they come here and they stay a few years. It grows on you.
Its just a love affair between the program, the community and the state. I dont think a lot of places have that but this place does.