PROVO, Utah, Dec. 28, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — BYU football running backs coach Reno Mahe is departing from his post, he announced on Twitter Wednesday.
Mahe, who joined the Cougars as running backs coach in 2016, both attended and played for Brigham Young University. He spent five seasons in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and played in Super Bowl XXXIX as a member of the 2004 NFC Championship team.
Mahe’s statement on Twitter says he is excited for the next phase of his life. His full statement reads:
Coaching at BYU has been an amazing chapter in my life and I have made memories and friendships that will last forever. I’m excited to watch the new direction of the program and even more excited to open this new chapter and see where my next adventure leads!
All the best to the incredible young men I have come to love who don the BYU uniform. Also much love to Cougar Nation. Thank you for supporting me through the loss of my sweet Elsie. I can never repay that debt, but will forever be loyal, strong and true.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” — Helen Keller
New adventures in 2018!
Mahe’s daughter Elsie died in November 2016 after becoming tangled in a mini-blind cord in the family’s home.
The announcement comes almost exactly one month after BYU offensive coordinator Ty Detmer was relieved after his role after two seasons. Two weeks later, BYU named Jeff Grimes as Detmer’s replacement.
Grimes comes to BYU from Louisiana State University where he was offensive line coach and run-game coordinator. Grimes coached the Cougar offensive line from 2004 to 2006.
He is a 25-year coaching veteran, including 10 seasons as a running game coordinator and two as an assistant head coach. He has worked at LSU for the past four seasons.
This is the first time Grimes has served as offensive coordinator.
Head coach Kalani Sitake also announced the hiring of three new offensive assistant coaches Wednesday. Aaron Roderick will take on the role of the passing game coordinator and Fesi Sitake and Ryan Pugh will be assistant coaches on Grimes’ offensive staff.
Current assistant coach Steve Clark will remain on the staff to complete the available positions. BYU will hire an additional assistant coach in January. The NCAA allows schools to hire a 10th football assistant coach starting on Jan. 9, 2018. Specific position responsibilities on the staff will be announced once that position is hired.
As well as Mahe, offensive line coach Mike Empey and receivers coach Ben Cahoon were not retained.
