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It looks like the Cougars have found their first scapegoat for their worst start to a football season since 1973. BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall fired defensive coordinator Jaime Hill on Saturday, a day after the Cougars lost 31-16 at Utah State. Hill was given the option to resign or be fired, and chose the latter, according to a source close to the situation. BYU is off to a 1-4 start, its worst start in 37 years. Hill, who also serves at BYU's secondary coach, is in his fifth season with the Cougars. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2008. BYU is expected to announce the coaching change in a news release later Saturday. It is unclear who will assume the defensive coordinator role. However, Mendenhall acted as defensive coordinator his first three seasons before turning the reins over to Hill in 2008. The Cougars' defense is among the worst in the country this season and gave up 434 yards to Utah State, including 242 rushing yards. Hill is from San Diego, Calif., and played collegiately at San Francisco State. Before arriving at BYU, Hill was co-defensive coordinator for the Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League.