Harsin leaving ASU for Boise State

Arkansas State football coach Bryan Harsin is leaving to become head coach at Boise State University.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporter Troy Schulte said sources have confirmed Harsin will be introduced as the next Boise State coach.

A formal announcement from ASU is expected after that occurs.

Harsin, 37, was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, played for the Broncos and was an assistant coach there for 10 years.

Boise State made the move official with a Wednesday morning press release on their athletics website.

"We're coming home," Harsin said in a statement. "[Harsin's wife] Kes and I are thrilled about returning to Boise State, it's a special place built by special people. One of the hardest decisions we ever made was leaving Boise. We did that so I could become a better coach, so I could one day have the opportunity to return as head coach - that day has arrived.

"I appreciate the history and tradition of the Boise State program," Harsin continued. "I embrace that success but won't rest on it. We will build this program every day with a sense of urgency. I can't wait to get to work. Go Broncos!"

In his first year at ASU, he led the Red Wolves to a 7-5 record and a share of the Sun Belt Conference championship. The team earned a berth in the GoDaddy Bowl for the third straight year.

The departure leaves ASU looking for a new coach for the fourth year in a row.

In a statement, Arkansas State Athletic Director Terry Mohajir praised Harsin for his season of service.

“We appreciate everything Coach Harsin did for Arkansas State during his time as head football coach,” Mohajir said in a statement. “We wish him and his family only the best in their future. We will now turn our attention to conducting a national search for a head coach to lead our three-time defending Sun Belt Conference champion football program.”

Defensive coordinator John Thompson will coach the bowl game, Mohajir said. It will mark the second season in a row Thompson will serve as the interim head coach for the team's postseason appearance. Last year, the Red Wolves beat Kent State 17-13 while under Thompson.

“An Arkansas State man coaches Arkansas State football,” Mohajir said in a statement.

Hugh Freeze succeeded Steve Roberts in 2010 and then left after a year to become head coach of Ole Miss. Gus Malzahn was hired to replace Freeze, but Malzahn left for Auburn in 2012.

Read more about this in Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.