UTEP head coach Sean Kugler announces coaching staff moves

After an 0-3 start to the football season and an offense that’s averaging a little more than 4 yards a play, it was clear change was needed at UTEP.

That change began on Sunday when UTEP’s offensive coordinator Brent Pease was fired.

On Monday, UTEP head coach Sean Kugler announced Brian Natkin will take over as offensive coordinator. “There’s not a more trusted member on my staff or trusted member that is loyal to this university,” Kugler said, “He’s loyal to turning this thing around for the players’ sake.”

On the firing of Pease, Kugler said,”This was not a fun decision to make, but it was a necessary decision.”

Natkin, a former player for the Miners, previously coached the tight ends and served as UTEP’s special teams coordinator.

In 2000, Natkin was named an All-American tight end while at UTEP.

He returned to UTEP as a coach in 2012.

The other coaching moves made by Kugler include, former Montwood High School head coach Chuck Veliz, taking over as quarterbacks coach and safeties coach Don Yanowsky assuming duties as special teams coordinator.

With the coaching staff now in place, the Miners are now preparing for the Battle of I-10.

The 1-2 New Mexico State Aggies will welcome the Miners Saturday at 6 p.m. over at Aggie Memorial Stadium.