Idaho’s search for a new head football coach is over. On Dec. 18 at 4:05 p.m., Idaho announced the hiring of Jason Eck as the new head coach.
In a released press statement, Idaho Athletic Director Terry Gawlik said: “Coach Eck is a proven offensive coach and recruiter. He knows what it takes to get to the top of the FCS and has the vision to see it through.”
Eck has more than 20 years of coaching experience and has spent the last six seasons at South Dakota State. In that time, the Jackrabbits have gone to three semifinal appearances in the FCS playoffs and a national championship.
The last three years, Eck operated as the offensive coordinator for South Dakota State. The offense of the Jackrabbits averaged 32.5 points per game with Eck as the offensive coordinator. South Dakota State was seventh in the FCS in scoring offense this season. Eck also received the 2019 FCS Assistant Coach of the Year award from the America Football Coaches’ Association.
Eck also has coaching and/or coordinator experience at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Colorado, Winona State University, Ball State University, Hampton University, Western Illinois University, Minnesota State University and Montana State University.
Eck also has previous experience coaching at Idaho. From 2004-2007, Eck served as the tight ends for one year and the offensive line coach for two. Eck also served as a recruiting coordinator and helped recruit offensive guard Mike Iupati. Iupati went on to be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft and have multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections.
A press conference will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the ICCU Arena Alumni Club with a reception to follow at 5 p.m. the same day.
Teren Kowatsch can be reached at