Saturday will be University of Idaho Paul Petrino’s last game as the head coach for Vandal football, according to reporting from Tubs at the Club. Following the reporting, Vandal Athletics confirmed in a press release that Petrino will part ways with Idaho.
According to the original story, boosters successfully raised funds with the purpose of buying out the remainder of Petrino’s contract. The contract runs through June 30, 2022, with a base salary of $446,000.
Petrino had a record of 33-65 in nine seasons as the head coach of the Vandals, with his lone winning season coming in 2016, going 9-4 and beating Colorado state 61-50 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
In an impromptu press conference before the Battle of Domes on Thursday night, UI Athletic Director Terry Gawlik said the decision to remove Petrino has “gone back a bit.” The loss at Eastern Washington was especially hard on everyone, and the recent attendance numbers at the Kibbie Dome were a factor in the decision.
Gawlik stated in the press release she had nothing but the utmost respect for Petrino. She was grateful for his loyalty to Vandal Athletics and his willingness to be a team player.
Also in the release, Petrino stated he was grateful for his time at UI, and the team will always hold a special place in his heart.
“I want to thank our current and former players as well as every coach who has been a part of this program over the past nine years,” Petrino stated. “They are what make this such a special place. I wish nothing but continued success for the current team and will always be in their corner.”
Vandal Athletics will partner with College Sports Solutions to assist in the hunt for a new head coach. Gawlik said it will start immediately, but they have not met with College Sports Solutions yet.
Whether the assistant coaches on Idaho football’s staff will be retained will be based on a conversation with the new head coach when hired, Gawlik said.
“We will work tirelessly to find a dynamic coach that will lead the Vandals back to the playoffs,” Gawlik stated in the press release. “Our goals are lofty, and our expectations are high, but we know the Vandal family expects nothing less than championship-caliber football in the Kibbie Dome.”
Vandal Athletics will hold a press conference for more information at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, at the Kibbie Dome Athletic Complex.
Latah County Boosters has not responded to requests for information.
The Argonaut will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
This article has been updated with new information from Vandal Athletics
The Argonaut sports staff can be reached at [email protected]
Pat
Idaho's failure to name a new football coach is a disaster for current student athletes as well as potential recruits. This is a massive failure (again) by the Athletic Department.
Joseph
Where were these “boosters” after Petrino took them to 9 wins and a bowl victory when the program needed money to stay FBS? Boosters is not an accurate definition for these people.