Change in Football Leadership Announced

POCATELLO, Idaho - Rob Phenicie will not return as Idaho State University's Head Football Coach, Athletic Director Pauline Thiros announced Saturday morning. Phenicie, on contract until January of 2023, will be reassigned to other duties for the duration of his contract or until he departs the University. He will take a short leave prior to his reassignment. The change was announced to the team prior to Saturday's game vs. the University of Idaho.

Phenicie took over the program in the late spring of 2017 after serving as an assistant for the previous two seasons  and recorded 16 wins and 34 losses prior to Saturday's game.
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Athletic Director Pauline Thiros said, "In his five seasons, Coach Phenicie has made Idaho State Football better. He has invested himself fully, tirelessly, in the Bengals. But, when it becomes evident you do not have the right trajectory in terms of performance on the field, it is time to make changes."

During Phenicie's time at Idaho State he coached 45 student-athletes who earned all-conference honors. The team's best year under Phenicie came in 2018 when the program finished 6-5 and 5-3 in Big Sky play, good for a fourth place finish. At Idaho State, Phenicie has coached some of the most prolific wide receivers in program history, including Mitch Gueller, Michael Dean, and Tanner Conner. Gueller finished his career as the all-time leading receiver in receiving yards.

"I would like to thank every member of the Bengal football community who has supported our efforts over the past five years," said Phenicie. "I feel the team has a solid foundation for future success. I step down knowing that we are leaving the program in better shape than when we took over, and we did our absolute best with the given resources.  There was no quit in this team and staff. I will always be pulling for my coaching staff and players, current and past, in every aspect of their lives."

Prior to coming to Idaho State, Phenicie spent five seasons at UNLV (2010-14) and was the offensive coordinator at the University of Montana from 2003-09 where he helped the Griz reach three FCS national title games. Before coming to Missoula, he was at Wyoming from 2000-02, serving as the Co-Offensive Coordinator, wide receiver coach, and recruiting coordinator. 

"I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Coach Phenicie and consider him a friend. He has cultivated a program filled with high character student-athletes who have succeeded academically, are excellent members of our campus community, and have worked very hard on the field. He cares deeply about his players, and has enriched their lives in ways that reach beyond football. Coach will leave Idaho State with a young and talented roster, and we are so grateful for his vision in bringing some excellent players and people into our program," said Thiros.

A national search to hire a new head coach will begin immediately. Idaho State Athletics will retain Bowlsby Sports Advisors to assist with the search.

Thiros added, "The work has already begun to find the right leader for Idaho State Football. Our university and community, as well as our proud alumni and constituents who love Bengal Football, deserve a competitive program. We must expect to compete well and contend in the best conference in FCS Football."

Coach David Fiefia, Assistant Head Coach, has coached the running backs and special teams. He will serve as the football liaison and maintain recruiting and player contact, and support the director of athletics with the program transition.