UTEP Football: Sean Kugler announces coaching staff changes

UTEP Head Coach Sean Kugler appointed Brian Natkin as offensive coordinator on Monday. Natkin previously coached the tight ends and served as the team’s special teams coordinator.

Natkin, an All-American tight end at UTEP in 2000, returned to his alma mater in December 2011 when he was named a full-time assistant. Natkin spent the 2012 season as the Miners’ offensive line coach before moving to tight ends coach and special teams coordinator.

Natkin was co-offensive coordinator at Midwestern State during the 2011 campaign. The Mustangs went 10-1 in 2011, while leading the nation in total offense (531.9 ypg) and scoring (48.6 ppg).

Natkin’s coaching career began as a graduate assistant at UTEP in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, Natkin coached the offensive line at Northern Colorado before spending five seasons (2007-11) at Midwestern State.

Other moves by Kugler include Chuck Veliz taking over as quarterbacks coach, and safeties coach Don Yanowsky assuming duties as special teams coordinator. Natkin will work with the tight ends and receivers.

UTEP will travel up the road to take on rival NM State in the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Battle of I-10 on Sept. 23. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Aggie Memorial Stadium.