Neuheisel's firing becomes official; assistant moves up

SEATTLE -- Five months ago, Keith Gilbertson had an opportunity to leave Washington and become an assistant coach in the NFL.

Gilbertson was tempted by the chance to return to the pros, but the timing wasn't quite right. He wanted to stay to coach quarterback Cody Pickett and receiver Reggie Williams -- the stars of the Huskies' offense.

It turned out to be a good move.

The Huskies offensive coordinator took over as head football coach Tuesday, the day after Rick Neuheisel's firing became official.

"What's taken place has been hard on everybody," said Gilbertson, who was Neuheisel's offensive coordinator for four seasons. "It's been hard on our alums, our fans, our team, on Barbara and on Rick Neuheisel and his family."

Gilbertson will earn $870,000 a year under a four-year contract, according to athletic director Barbara Hedges.

"We're very fortunate to have a person on our staff with the background and experience to assume the head coaching position," Hedges said at a campus news conference attended by former coach Don James.

Gilbertson, who has supervised the football program's day-to-day operations since last month, was also the team's offensive coordinator under James when the Huskies won a national championship in 1991.

James said he couldn't think of a better head coach for the Huskies.

"He's qualified, he's certified and he's good," James said. "All he wants to do is go out and recruit kids, bring them here, coach them and go out and play. I think that's what they got: A real, good, solid football man."

NCAA rules broken

Hedges fired Neuheisel for breaking NCAA gambling rules by participating in neighborhood pools during the past two NCAA basketball tournaments. She said he wasn't forthcoming when first questioned by NCAA investigators.

Gilbertson was the head coach at Idaho from 1986 to 1988 and at California from 1992 to 1995. He had a combined record of 48-35 at those two schools over seven seasons.

Gilbertson first came to Washington as a graduate assistant coach in 1976 under James. He rejoined the Huskies in 1989 and was with them until after the 1991 season. He returned yet again when Hedges hired Neuheisel away from the University of Colorado in 1999.

"I enjoyed working with Rick and being on his staff," he said Tuesday. "I appreciate him giving me a chance to come back to the University of Washington."