Sanchez announces full staff for his first season as UNLV’s football coach

By Taylor Bern

Monday, Dec. 22, 2014 | 1 p.m.

First-year UNLV football coach Tony Sanchez officially announced his complete coaching staff today, filling in the few holes remaining after his press conference and a national radio interview last week.

A pair of coaches are coming from Colorado. Kent Baer will take over as defensive coordinator after serving the same role for the Buffaloes, and Andy LaRussa will coach the safeties and serve as special teams coordinator after leading the Buffs’ cornerbacks (2014) and defensive ends (2013) the past two seasons.

The rest of the staff has been known publicly for a few days, including offensive coordinator Barney Cotton from Nebraska and receivers coach Cedric Cormier, who’s staying on from Bobby Hauck’s staff.

“I’m excited about this staff because of the years of experience and also the success that they’ve had in their careers,” Sanchez said in a statement. “Bringing this group of gentlemen in not only gives us excellent football coaches but also great mentors to our kids and people who will represent this university in a positive way. I couldn’t be more excited about the staff and their commitment to my vision and the vision of UNLV and where we’re moving. They are going to help us build UNLV football into a winning program.”

The full staff, including positions, is listed below. Bios available in today’s release.

• Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends — Barney Cotton (Nebraska)

• Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator — John Garrison (Nebraska)

• Running Backs — Jamie Christian (Houston)

• Wide Receivers — Cedric Cormier (UNLV)

• Quarterbacks — Ron O’Dell (Bishop Gorman HS)

• Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers — Kent Baer (Colorado)

• Defensive Line — Joe Seumalo (Oregon State)

• Safeties/Special Teams Coordinator — Andy LaRussa (Colorado)

• Cornerbacks — J.D. Williams (Georgia State)

• Strength & Conditioning Coach — Keith Benton (USC)

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.