PROVO — What had been widely reported the past month became official on Friday: Steve Kaufusi is leaving Utah to become the new defensive line coach at BYU.
"I'm excited for the change," Kaufusi said Friday morning. "I feel good about it. It's an honor to join Coach (Gary) Crowton and his staff."
Kaufusi replaces Tom Ramage, who retired following the 2001 season, and is returning to his alma mater, where he was a defensive lineman from 1986-87.
Kaufusi had been part of Utah coach Ron McBride's staff since 1994. He was hired before the '94 season as a graduate assistant, then he spent the 1995 and 1996 seasons assigned to the defensive line. Since 1997, he's been coaching the defensive ends.
"In some ways, it was a tough decision (to leave Utah)," Kaufusi said. "McBride's been good to me and my family."
During his eight years at the U., Kaufusi coached All-America Luther Elliss, the 1994 WAC defensive player of the year and first-round NFL draft pick, and five additional first-team All-Conference linemen, including John Frank, the 1999 Mountain West Conference defensive player of the year.
He also coached his younger brother Jason, who was named MWC co-freshman of the year in 2000 and first-team all-conference in 2001. Kaufusi said Jason will remain with the Utes. "He understands this move and he wishes me the best," Steve said. "He understands that this is what's best for me and my family."
Kaufusi's coaching ability isn't the only reason Crowton hired him. He is a proven recruiter who has attracted a number of top-rated high school players from Hawaii, including Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, who now plays with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"Steve brings a wealth of credibility and experience to our coaching staff," Crowton said in a statement. "He is an outstanding coach, motivator and recruiter. We are excited to have him as part of the BYU football program."
Prior to playing at BYU, Kaufusi was an all-conference junior college player at Dixie College. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988 and played in the NFL for four seasons (1988-91). In 1992, he played for the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football.
After his playing career, Kaufusi completed his bachelor's degree in recreation management/ administration at BYU in 1994. He is married to the former Michelle Garrick. They have five children: Alexis 12, Bronson 10, Corbin 8 and five-year old twins Devin (boy) and Daryl (girl).
Deseret News sports writer Linda Hamilton contributed to this report.
E-MAIL: jeffc@desnews.com