COLLEGE FOOTBALL Gilbertson running the show for Huskies

The Washington assistant is overseeing the daily operations of the team.
SEATTLE (AP) -- While the lawyers wrangle over Rick Neuheisel's firing, Keith Gilbertson will handle X's and O's for the Washington football team.
Gilbertson, Washington's offensive coordinator, was appointed Tuesday by athletic director Barbara Hedges to supervise the program during Neuheisel's termination process.
Hedges said the 55-year-old Gilbertson "will be responsible for supervising the staff and overseeing daily operations of the football program" while Neuheisel is suspended.
Gilbertson is a former head coach at California (1992-95) and Idaho (1986-88), making him the most logical choice for the job.
Gilbertson, however, said he hasn't been promised the position of acting or interim coach, nor does he know if he will land the job permanently.
"I'm an employee of the University of Washington," he said. "They've assigned me a job to do and I'm going to do it the best I can. Where that takes us or takes me, I have no idea."
Several more weeks
It could take several weeks for Neuheisel's situation to play out.
Under the termination process, as outlined in his contract, Hedges will consider Neuheisel's response to his firing -- which he has yet to file -- and issue a written decision.
If Neuheisel disputes her findings, he could appeal to university vice president Norm Arkans. His decision would end the matter within the school, though Neuheisel's attorneys have suggested a court challenge is possible.
Meanwhile, the Huskies face an Aug. 30 opener at Ohio State, and fall workouts are just over one month away.
"I'll make sure there are some balls out there and we have kicking tees," Gilbertson said.
Awkward situation
Gilbertson said it's been awkward in the department since the boss was removed. The assistants obviously believe in Neuheisel as a coach, but Gilbertson expects they'll be professionals.
"What I feel about Rick's dilemma hasn't changed," Gilbertson said. "But I'd say the mood in the office, it's a pretty veteran group of guys who have done a lot in their careers. We've got plenty to get done."
Gilbertson plans to evaluate recruits and said Hedges authorized him to offer scholarships as he feels are warranted. He realizes recruits will have questions about where the program is headed.
"There are some dangers," he said.
Over the years, Gilbertson said he's seen plenty of unusual things in coaching. But he agreed this situation is extraordinary.
"I've really never been in anything similar except when the USFL folded," he said. "You were playing games and even if you won, you knew you wouldn't be back next year."