Crowton Firms Up Defensive Staff

PROVO -- With new defensive coordinator Bronco Mendenhall on board, BYU head football coach Gary Crowton today announced defensive staff changes for the 2003 season.

Mendenhall, in addition to his duties as defensive coordinator, will also be responsible for coaching the safeties. Barry Lamb, who has coached safeties at BYU for the past nine seasons, will now be responsible for coaching the linebackers, a position he has previously held at San Diego State, Idaho, UNLV and Oregon. Brian Mitchell will continue coaching cornerbacks, and Steve Kaufusi will continue his duties as the defensive line coach.

"We have some very good defensive coaches," Crowton said. "I think we have some good chemistry with this group, and I know this is something both Bronco and myself feel very comfortable with."

Mendenhall added, "I feel fantastic about the coaches we have in the program. From the time I have had to sit down and meet with each of them, and to get a feel for things, I'm confident we have the personnel that can coach at the level we need to be."