The returns of Dennis Erickson as head coach

Erickson returned to Idaho to become head coach at the school that gave him his start. Erickson who won two national championships at Miami had his last stop at San Francisco, where after two disappointing NFL seasons with the 49ers he was fired in January 2005.

The 58-year-old Erickson signed a five-year contract worth about $200,000 a year, but with bonuses, it could be worth a total of about $1.5 million over the duration the contract, athletic director Rob Spear said. NFL coach Erickson has been unemployed since the NFL 49ers fired him in January 2005.

"The challenge here is to win, to compete for the conference championship and to go to bowl games," Erickson said. "Yeah, I love it here. I came here because I'm a football coach and I want to help the University of Idaho become successful."