This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Provo • Six weeks after word leaked out that Bronco Mendenhall was making major changes to his offensive coaching staff, the BYU football coach completed that shuffling by hiring former Cougar receiver and Canadian Football League great Ben Cahoon as a receivers coach.
Cahoon will replace Patrick Higgins, who left BYU for Purdue a few weeks ago.
Mendenhall said Cahoon's hiring will "complete our coaching staff" for the 2011 season. He also announced that running backs coach Lance Reynolds will become the tight ends coach and newly hired assistant Joe DuPaix will become the running backs coach and coordinate recruiting, a responsibility that used to belong to Paul Tidwell.
Mark Weber will continue to be the offensive line coach.
Brandon Doman became the offensive coordinator in early January after Robert Anae was forced out, eventually taking a job at Arizona.
Cahoon was a receiver at BYU from 1995-97, then began a 13-year career in the CFL in which he became that league's all-time receptions leader. "Ben is passionate about what we are doing at BYU and possesses a work ethic and mastery of the receiver position that is nearly unmatched," Mendenhall said. "He will have a tremendous influence on the young men under his care."
Cahoon spent his entire career with Montreal and was part of three Grey Cup championships.
"I am extremely excited to have this opportunity to coach at my alma mater," Cahoon said. "I plan to approach coaching the same way I played, with consistent effort, determination and hard work. I love BYU. I love what BYU stands for."
At BYU, Cahoon had 68 career receptions for 1,097 yards and six touchdowns.
drew@sltrib.comTwitter: @drewjay