[Vision2020] Holt Leaving Vandals to Join Linehan in St. Louis

[Tom Hansen]

>From today's (February 5, 2006) Spokesman Review -

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Holt leaving Vandals to join Linehan in St. Louis 
Expected to coach Rams defensive line
Nick Holt's record 

Jim Meehan
Staff writer
February 5, 2006

University of Idaho football coach Nick Holt has accepted an assistant
coaching position with the St. Louis Rams, UI athletic department sources
confirmed late Saturday night.

Holt initially turned down a chance to join new St. Louis coach Scott
Linehan's staff, sources said, but Linehan returned with an enhanced offer
later in the week and Holt accepted.

An official announcement from the school is expected Monday.

Holt and Linehan have a long association. They worked together as assistants
on John L. Smith's staff at Idaho in the early 1990s. Linehan is a godparent
to one of Holt's sons. Greg Olson, another former Vandal assistant who has
joined Linehan's staff as offensive coordinator, is a godparent to Holt's
other son. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Saturday that former Idaho
quarterback Doug Nussmeier, an assistant coach with Smith at Michigan State,
is discussing the Rams' quarterback coaching job with Linehan.
 
Holt's decision to leave comes just days after the Vandals announced a
recruiting class of 20 players. During a Wednesday conference call, Holt
said one of the reasons for Idaho's success in recruiting was due to the
stability on his staff the last two years.

Attempts to contact Holt were unsuccessful Saturday night.

Holt is expected to coach the Rams' defensive line. Linehan has hired former
New Orleans head coach Jim Haslett as defensive coordinator, as well as
former Saints assistants Rick Venturi (linebackers) and Willy Robinson
(secondary).

Holt was 5-18 in two seasons at Idaho.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Any guesses on who Idaho will find to replace Holt?

Take care, Vandals (you, too, Moscow).

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
UI '96


"I will not leave Idaho."

- Chris Tormey (January 1999)