While starring as an undersized defensive back at Washington, Nigel Burton envisioned a life as an accountant.

At 5 feet 9 and 180 pounds, he never seriously entertained playing beyond college and prepared to leave football behind after graduating with a business degree.

But those around him believed Burton could have a long career as a coach because the two-time captain and academic standout had unique leadership skills and understood UWs complex defensive schemes like few others.

"After his first year in the program, I would have guessed he would make a fine coach someday," former UW coach Jim Lambright said. "It was always the matter of does he have bigger and better plans."

Burton earned an MBA and dabbled briefly in the private sector before returning to football. After 12 years in coaching and now three as head coach at Portland State the former UW standout dubbed "Mighty Mouse" leads the Vikings against his alma mater at 1 p.m. Saturday at CenturyLink Field.

"Its not about me in any way, shape or form," Burton said. "Im not planning on suiting up on Saturday.

"If I do, I told (Portland State players) I could give them about one good play. That would be about it. Id probably blow a hamstring. Its always great being in Seattle, but this isnt at all about me."

In some ways, hes right.

This game is about the battered Huskies (1-1) rebounding from a 41-3 defeat last week at Louisiana State and looking to rebound impressively against a FCS opponent.

Its about the Vikings (1-1), who fired defensive coordinator Eric Jackson on Wednesday following a performance in which the defense surrendered 401 yards.

More:
Mighty Mouse ready for a tall task: facing the Huskies