Q+A: Mark Weber, BYU offensive line coach

Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007 | 7:28 a.m.

With his shaved head, neatly trimmed mustache and Popeye-like forearms, Mark Weber could pass for a professional wrestler were he not so doggone personable.

But that's not what makes him unique. What makes him unique is that he has coached in four Las Vegas Bowls with four schools - UNR, UNLV, UCLA and now BYU, where he coaches the offensive line.

That all of his Las Vegas Bowl teams are acronyms is strictly a coincidence. Weber, who has been coaching college football for 27 years, said he really isn't interested in making it five Las Vegas Bowls with five NCAA abbreviations, say, were TCU to offer a job.

"No, I like it right where I'm at," he said. "This is a pretty good job."

Weber said there are worse places to spend a few nights before Christmas than Las Vegas, adding that he has witnessed firsthand how the Las Vegas Bowl has grown since attending the very first one with the Wolf Pack.

Q. You were with UNR when it battled back from a 28-7 defi cit to take the lead against Bowling Green in the inaugural game, only to lose 35-34 in the closing seconds. Would that be your most vivid Las Vegas Bowl memory?

Actually, it would probably be the (52-24) win when I was here (with UNLV) over Central Michigan. I don't want exciting and lose. I want blowout and win.

Where's the best place to sleep the night before the game?

All the hotels are nice but I've got to say this year, the rooms at Planet Hollywood are the nicest we've had. (Editor's note: BYU? Staying at Planet Hollywood? Somebody needs to save The Planet, indeed, because I can remember when it was the hip place to be seen.)

What about the swag? What's the best Las Vegas Bowl gift you've received?

My girls (18-year-old Allie and 11-year-old KaCee) think this year is the best. They gave us iPods.

When it comes to extracurricular activities associated with bowl games, is there anything that beats a pie-eating contest?

We saw Blue Man Group with UCLA. This time we saw Cirque du Soleil ("Ka" at MGM Grand). I was really impressed with the creativity and the athleticism of the performers.

You started The Union, which is what you called your offensive line at UNLV, and I noticed it says "Band of Brothers" on the back of your T-shirt. Is that the new Union?

No, that's a team thing. The Union was something we brought from Reno. We don't do that here. But I really like your tie.