Boise State hires Avalos as new head coach

Boise State hired Andy Avalos as its new head coach, the team announced Saturday. The two sides reportedly agreed on a five-year deal, according to Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman.

Avalos will replace Bryan Harsin, who left the program in December to become Auburn's coach.

Avalos spent the previous two seasons as Oregon's defensive coordinator.

The 39-year-old starred at linebacker for the Broncos from 2001 to 2004 prior to joining the coaching ranks. He racked up 365 career tackles and was named an All-WAC first-team selection in 2003 and 2004.

Avalos returned to Boise State in 2012 to become the team's defensive line coach. He later served as the Broncos' linebackers coach before becoming their defensive coordinator in 2016. Boise State finished 38th, 21st, and 52nd in total defense during Avalos' three seasons as its coordinator.

Avalos provided an immediate impact upon joining the Ducks in 2019, as Oregon finished ninth in total defense. The Ducks ranked fifth in total defense within the Pac-12 during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.

Boise State finished second in the Mountain West Conference this past season with a 5-2 record.