Crowton Puts Finishing Touches on Coaching Staff

PROVO -- BYU head football coach Gary Crowton today announced two new additions to the coaching staff and has outlined the new assistant coaching assignments.

Mike Borich, a South Jordan, Utah native, will join the BYU coaching staff as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. Borich comes to BYU after serving the past two seasons as the wide receivers coach for the Chicago Bears. Prior to his coaching stint in the NFL, Borich coached the wide receivers at Louisiana Tech for four seasons. Among his outstanding pupils, Borich was responsible for coaching the Bulldogs' 1998 Biletnikoff Award winner, Troy Edwards. Edwards recorded 140 receptions for 1,996 yards and 27 TDs. He set an NCAA single-game record with 21 receptions for 405 yards against Nebraska. Borich played wide receiver at Snow JC and Western Illinois University. Borich helped the Leathernecks to 17 different school records and was the team MVP as a senior. He began his coaching career in 1989 at New Hampshire, where Crowton was the offensive coordinator. Following the 1991 season, Borich moved to Northeastern University where he coached receivers, tight ends and running backs. Following his tenure at Northeastern, Borich moved to Louisiana Tech. Borich was an all-state performer at Bingham High School and eared an associate degree from Snow College in 1987 and a bachelor's degree in physical education from Western Illinois in 1989. He and his wife, the former Christine Cook of Moroni, Utah, have three children.

"I'm looking forward to working with the offensive staff and with Coach Crowton," Borich said. "Passing the ball has long been the tradition at BYU. We're going to follow that tradition with a new and exciting approach. I'm excited to be apart of this great program and look to carry on the winning tradition."

Paul Tidwell, a native of Ogden, Utah, will join the BYU staff after spending the past three seasons at Louisiana Tech where he was responsible for coaching tight ends and special teams. Tidwell will be responsible for coaching running backs and will also serve as the Recruiting Coordinator for the Cougars. Prior to Louisiana Tech, Tidwell was the head coach at Eastern Arizona Junior College. During his tenure at EAJC, Tidwell guided the team to its first winning season in 26 years -- just two years after taking over the program. During that season, Easter Arizona won the ACCAC with a perfect 5-0 mark and finished in the top five in the nation in both passing offense and total offense and was second in the country in interceptions. Prior to his time at Eastern Arizona, Tidwell was the defensive coordinator at Snow College from 1984-87 and head coach from 1987-94. He compiled a 51-27-e record as head coach and was ranked in the top 15 in the nation in six of eight seasons. While he was defensive coordinator, the team won the NJCAA National Championship in 1985 with an 11-0 record. After graduating from Ogden High School, Tidwell played three season at fullback for Utah State from 1973-1976. During those three seasons, the Aggies posted three straight winning seasons and compiled a record of 22-11. Tidwell is married to the former Colleen Palmer of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The couple has seven children.

"This is a dream come true," Tidwell said. "I'm grateful for the confidence Coach Crowton has in me and I look forward to working with him, the players, staff and administration. We're very happy to be home."

Lance Reynolds, a member of the BYU coaching staff for the past 18 seasons, will move from offensive coordinator to assistant head coach and will be responsible for coaching the offensive line. Robbie Bosco will return for a 13th season, coaching the quarterbacks. Entering his second season on the BYU staff, Mike Empey will be responsible for coaching the tight ends.

Defensively, Ken Schmidt will remain as the defensive coordinator, while Brian Mitchell will continue his responsibilities as the cornerbacks/secondary coach. Tom Ramage will continue coaching the defensive line, while Barry Lamb will be coach the safeties and will assume responsibilities as the special teams coordinator.

"I'm very excited to be working with these coaches," Crowton said. "I believe we've been able to assemble a staff that will draw on its extensive experience and enthusiasm to carry on the rich football tradition at BYU. "

Crowton also announced E.J. Caffaro will join the staff as an academic coach. Caffaro will serve as a liaison between the football staff and the Student Athlete Center. Caffaro will be responsible for tracking the student-athletes academic progress and ensuring each student-athlete is working successfully towards graduation. Caffaro comes to BYU from Ricks College where he has served on both the basketball and football coaching staffs.

In connection with the restructuring of the coaching staff, offensive line coach Roger French has announced he will retire following the expiration of his contract on Sept. 1, 2001. The 2000 season marked French's 21st season at BYU and his 41st in the coaching ranks.

Chris Pella, a member of the BYU staff for the past 15 seasons, will also remain under contract until Sept. 1, 2001. BYU athletic director Val Hale said he is exploring opportunities within the University and/or the athletics department.