Another BYU defensive coach is headed out of Provo, but this one is remaining in Utah rather than following Kyle Whittingham and Jay Hill to Michigan.
Cougars assistant safeties coach Gavin Fowler has been hired as Weber State’s new defensive coordinator, the program announced Monday.
In addition to his defensive coordinator duties, Fowler will also coach Weber State’s safeties.
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Fowler will coach alongside Eric Kjar, the highly-accomplished former head coach at Corner Canyon High who took the head job at Weber in December.
A former BYU defensive back and placekicking holder, Fowler had been on Kalani Sitake’s Cougars staff since 2019 as a graduate assistant, defensive analyst, specialists coach and safeties coach.
During his playing days at BYU, Fowler helped secure an upset victory over No. 6 Wisconsin in 2018 by salvaging a bad snap to get the hold down on Skylar Southam’s eventual game-winning field goal.
During Fowler’s time coaching safeties at BYU, he oversaw the rise of Tanner Wall and Faletau Satuala — BYU’s top two leading tacklers in 2025 — into All-Big 12 and All-American talents.
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“We are extremely fortunate to have Gavin on our staff and as our defensive coordinator,” Kjar said in a statement. “He brings strong playing and coaching experience, has a great understanding of defensive schemes, and has excellent ties in recruiting. He’s a great fit for our program.”
BYU alums Brian Logan (7) is helped up by teammate Gavin Fowler (16) during alumni game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on March 31, 2023. | Ryan Sun, Deseret News
