ARCATA — Humboldt State University's search for a new head football coach has been narrowed down to three candidates, all of whom will visit campus for formal interviews over the next 10 days.

Larry Owens, current head coach at the College of San Mateo, Rob Smith, former head coach at Western Washington, and Steve Smyte, former assistant coach at Boise State, have been invited to interview following a nationwide search that began on Nov. 20. During their visits, all three will be made available to answer questions in a public forum.

Following are brief profiles of the finalists.

Larry Owens, head coach, College of San Mateo
Larry Owens has directed the CSM Bulldogs for the past 18 years, amassing 107 wins during his tenure. In 2006, he was selected NorCal Conference Coach of the Year, and has guided the Bulldogs to seven straight winning seasons, including an 8-3 record in 2007.

A familiar name to long-time HSU football fans, Owens began his collegiate coaching career as the Lumberjacks' defensive line coach from 1989-90. Owens has also served as defensive coordinator for the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe (2001-03) and as linebacker coach for the Scottish Claymores, also of NFL Europe (1996-97).

Owens holds a Master's Degree in Administration/Physical Education from Saint Mary's College, and he earned a teaching credential at San Francisco State University. Owens graduated with his B.S. in Physical Education from Cal State Fullerton in 1979.

Rob Smith, former head coach, Western Washington University
Rob Smith achieved a 109-62-1 career record while serving as Western Washington University head coach from 1989 to 2005. Since leaving that position, Smith has served as Director of Athletics at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Wash.

During his tenure at WWU, Smith led his team to 12 winning seasons, earning conference coach of the year honors seven times. In 1996, Smith guided the Vikings to an appearance in the NAIA national championship game, and his 1999 team qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs in the school's second year of affiliation at that level.

Smith holds a B.A. degree in History and has earned a teaching certificate from the University of Washington. He has also completed post-graduate work in Adult Education Administration at Western Washington University.

Steve Smyte, former assistant coach, Boise State University
Steve Smyte served as an offensive assistant coach at NCAA Division IA Boise State from 2004-2006, helping the Broncos to two Western Athletic Conference Championships. With primary responsibilities for wide receivers and special teams, Smith contributed to the Broncos' standing as the No. 2 ranked offense in 2004 and the eighth best offense in the nation in 2005.

Prior to his time at Boise State, Smyte spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at UC Davis. He also has pervious experience as head coach of the River City Gamblers semi-pro team and as an offensive assistant for the Sacramento Gold Miners of the Canadian Football League.

Smyte is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, where he earned Bachelors degrees in both Education and Physical Education. He achieved his Masters Degree in Education from Sacramento State in 1992.

Humboldt State University
Head Football Coach Candidates
Public Forums

Rob Smith
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Goodwin Forum, Nelson Hall East

Larry Owens
Friday, Jan. 25, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Corbett Conference Room Siemens Hall

Steve Smyte
Monday, Jan. 28. 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Room TBD

Forums to be held in TBA on the HSU campus