Seattle ? Five months ago, Keith Gilbertson had an opportunity to leave Washington and become an assistant coach in the NFL.

Gilbertson was tempted by the chance to return to the pros, but the timing wasn’t quite right. He wanted to stay to coach quarterback Cody Pickett and receiver Reggie Williams — the Huskies’ offensive standouts.

It turned out to be a good move.

The Huskies offensive coordinator took over as head football coach Tuesday, the day after Rick Neuheisel’s firing became official.

“What’s taken place has been hard on everybody,” said Gilbertson, who was Neuheisel’s offensive coordinator for four seasons. “It’s been hard on our alums, it’s been hard on our fans, it’s been hard on our team, it’s been hard on Barbara and it’s been hard on Rick Neuheisel and his family.”

Gilbertson will earn $870,000 a year under a four-year contract, according to athletic director Barbara Hedges.

“We’re very fortunate to have a person on our staff with the background and experience to assume the head coaching position,” Hedges said at a campus news conference attended by former coach Don James.

Gilbertson, who has supervised the football program’s day-to-day operations since last month, also was the team’s offensive coordinator under James when the Huskies won a national championship in 1991.

James said he couldn’t think of a better head coach for the Huskies.

“He’s qualified, he’s certified and he’s good,” James said. “All he wants to do is go out and recruit kids, bring them here, coach them and go out and play. I think that’s what they got: A real, good, solid football man.”

Hedges fired Neuheisel for breaking NCAA gambling rules by participating in neighborhood pools during the past two NCAA basketball tournaments.

Gilbertson was head coach at Idaho in 1986-1988 and at California in 1992-1995. He had a combined record of 48-35 at the two schools in seven seasons.

Keith Gilbertson, center, speaks after being introduced as Washington's new football coach. Gilbertson met with the media Tuesday in Seattle along with athletic director Barbara Hedges, right, and Jim Daves, athletic department spokesman.