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QB coach Spavital to join Texas A&M
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West Virginia quarterbacks coach Jake Spavital accepted a position at Texas A&M to work with Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel as quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator, a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette source confirmed Friday morning.
The move leaves a sizable void on the staff of coach Dana Holgorsen, who is close to finalizing two openings on the defensive side.
Spavital worked with Geno Smith for the past two years, helping him to two record-breaking seasons. Now he gets to help mold Johnny Football.
"I am grateful for the opportunity that Dana has given me in my career," Spavital told CBS Sports in the wee hours Friday morning. "And I'm excited to get to A&M and continue with the success that they've had."
Spavital is adding to an already impressive resume. He worked with Brandon Weeden at Oklahoma State, Smith, and now Manziel.
Holgorsen already is set to hire longtime Rich Rodriguez assistant Tony Gibson and former East Carolina defensive coordinator Brian Mitchell. Both are going through West Virginia's vetting process, the Post-Gazette reported Wednesday.
Spavital's exit comes at a time when a new quarterback will take over for West Virginia, and there likely will be a classic competition between backup Paul Millard and freshman Ford Childress to replace Smith.
Spavital was well liked by players and is highly regarded in coaching circles for his sharp offensive mind.
Smith tweeted a message of support from his twitter account @GenoSmith_12: "Proud to see my man Jake Spavital progressing in his career. Great coach & even greater person. Good luck in Aggie land Jake!"
First Published January 12, 2013 12:00 am
