By Chadd Cripe ccripe@idahostatesman.com © 2012 Idaho Statesman

CALDWELL — The College of Idaho’s extensive search for a football coach turned on one conversation between Athletic Director Marty Holly and Boise State football coach Chris Petersen.

Petersen recommended longtime UC Davis assistant coach Mike Moroski, who had not even applied for the position.

College of Idaho introduced Moroski on Wednesday as the man who will revive the Coyotes’ long-dormant football program.

“Many times good things come to you if you just work hard and do things the right way,” Moroski said, “so I really feel like that’s what happened here. … This was, I think, what fits me the best. In fact, I’d almost say that it’s perfect.”

The Coyotes will make their debut Aug. 30, 2014, against Eastern Oregon at Simplot Stadium in Caldwell. Their first class of recruits will arrive in the fall and spend their first year practicing and attending classes.

College of Idaho will compete in the NAIA Frontier Conference.

Moroski, 55, had coached at UC Davis since 1987. Like Petersen, he is a former Davis quarterback. They worked together on the Davis staff, worked out together during Petersen’s senior year at Davis (Moroski was an NFL backup from 1979 to 1986) and have spent some time talking about offensive ideas over the years.

Moroski was the Davis assistant head coach in 2011-12. He previously served as offensive coordinator (1993-2010) and coached every offensive position group during his tenure. Head coach Bob Biggs retired after this season. Moroski applied for the job and didn’t get it.

Holly called him the day after Thanksgiving. Moroski was one of three College of Idaho finalists interviewed on campus — and he won over the faculty in addition to the decision-makers, Holly said.

“This is an emotional day for all of us,” Holly said, “because we’re going to do this thing right and we have a home run with this guy.”