Jan. 13, 2009
Pocatello, ID --- Idaho State head football coach John Zamberlin has announced that quarterbacks coach Brian Jensen will serve as the interim offensive coordinator, taking over for Mike Orthmann, who has left the program after two seasons to pursue other coaching opportunities. Zamberlin also said that tight ends coach Mike Havens will oversee the offensive line recruiting through February.
Jensen has served as an offensive coordinator before, as he was co-offensive coordinator under Zamberlin when both were at Central Washington. While in that capacity, Central picked up a pair of conference titles and in 2006, they finished ranked 14th in offense in Division II.
Under Orthmann, the Bengals saw some big numbers put up, specifically in the passing game, including an All-American season by receiver Eddie Thompson in 2007. Quarterback Russel Hill set a sophomore record for passing yards last season, but ISU did struggle running the football, although injuries played a part in that as well.
Zamberlin's relationship with Orthmann dates back to 1992, when both were on staff at Eastern Washington. "Mike and I met, and after talking, this is in the best interest for Mike and for the program," said Zamberlin. "Mike did some good things here, but we are going to move forward, and keep improving and getting better."
There is no specific timetable for naming a replacement for Orthmann on staff.
