This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

One piece of Utah's football coaching staff was put in place Thursday, as the Utes hired former Minnesota offensive line coach Tim Davis to fill the vacancy left by Blake Miller, who resigned and is expected to join Memphis' staff.

Davis, a three-year letter-winner for the Utes as an offensive tackle from 1978 to 1980, was among the Minnesota assistants let go in December when Jerry Kill was hired to replace Tim Brewster, who was fired as the Gophers' head coach on Oct. 17.

Davis coached Utah's offensive line from 1990 to 1996 before joining Wisconsin's staff.

In addition to being on Utah's staff together, Davis and Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham were also on Idaho State's staff in 1989 when Davis coached the offensive line and Whittingham was the linebacker/special teams coach.

"This will be Tim Davis' second time around at Utah and he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our program," Whittingham said. "Tim is known for developing a strong rapport with his players and he will be a great addition to our staff. He has coached at some of the premier football programs in the country over the course of his career and that experience should prove valuable as we head into the Pac-12 Conference."

Davis also coached with Norm Chow, who has been in talks with Utah, at USC.

"I'm very excited to be back home," Davis said. "This place is phenomenal. A lot has changed in Salt Lake City since we left, but it still feels like home. The expectation level has risen so high here. I felt like the Sugar Bowl was a statement game for the country about what Utah football has become and I'm excited to be a part of it." —

Tim Davis coaching experience

2008-10 • Minnesota running game coordinator/offensive line

2008 • Alabama director of personnel

2005-06 • Miami Dolphins assistant offensive line

2003-04 • USC offensive line

2002 • USC guards and centers

1997-2001 • Wisconsin tackles and tight ends

1990-96 • Utah offensive line

1989 • Idaho State offensive line

1988 • Walla Walla CC offensive coordinator