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Former Cougar Jason Gesser named interim head coach at Idaho

After a 70-28 loss to Louisiana Tech on Saturday, the University of Idaho fired head coach Robb Akey and hired former Washington State Cougars quarterback Jason Gesser on an interim basis.

By Michael Preston
Crystal Logiudice-US PRESSWIRE

After chalking up another disastrous loss in a season that is going downhill quickly, Idaho athletic director Rob Spear cut ties with head coach Robb Akey. Akey's dismissal comes on the heals of a 70-28 drubbing at the hands of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. He finishes his tenure at Idaho with a 20-50 record and one bowl win, the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl.

The Idaho Vandals, sitting at 1-7 and sporting big losses to the Eastern Washington Eagles and Texas State Bobcats, decided to promote offensive coordinator and former Washington State quarterback Jason Gesser to interim head coach. Brian Floyd at CougCenter outlines why this is a pretty curious decision.

"Somewhat surprisingly, Jason Gesser was named the interim head coach in a corresponding move. Yes, Jason Gesser, the relatively green assistant who was named the Vandals offensive coordinator coming into the season."

The 33-year old Gesser was plucked from Eastside Catholic High School in Sammamish by Akey two years ago to be the Vandals running backs coach. Gesser takes the helm at Idaho during a tumultuous time for the school's athletic department. The Vandals will be without a conference next year as the WAC discontinues football following this season. All other sports are moving to the Big Sky Conference following their respective seasons while football will go independent in an attempt to remain in the FBS.