And, as it turns out, looked to an in-state rival to do the filling.
Utah announced Monday that head coach Kyle Whittingham has hired Ilaisa Tuiaki as his fullbacks/tight ends coach. The move is a coaching homecoming for Tuiaki, who spent the 2008 season as a grad assistant under Whittingham.
“Ilaisa did a great job for us when he was here as a graduate assistant and we are pleased to have him back on our staff,” said Whittingham. “He is a high-energy, enthusiastic coach that has an excellent rapport with the players.”
Tuiaki spent the past three years as running backs/TEs coach and recruiting coordinator at Utah State.