Pease fired as UTEP offensive coordinator

UTEP offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brent Pease has been fired.

The move comes two days after UTEP's nationally televised 63-16 loss to Arizona dropped the Miners to 0-3.

UTEP is ranked 128th out of 129 teams in the FBS in total offense, 124th in scoring offense, 129th in rushing offense and 129th in first downs per game.

MORE: UTEP tries to pick up the pieces, again

In a text to the El Paso Times on Sunday, head coach Sean Kugler confirmed that Pease had been fired.

"Yes, making a change and will address it at press conference (Monday) as far as any staff change responsibilities," Kugler said in the text.

Pease was brought in two years ago as Kugler's second offensive coordinator. Last year, his offense saw Aaron Jones set a school record in rushing yards and get drafted. The offense as a whole, though, struggled and clearly moved backward this season. The 16 points against Arizona was a season high.

MORE: Arizona crushes Miners, despite small signs of life

Pease previously was the receivers coach at Washington and an offensive coordinator at Florida. He was also a replacement quarterback for the Houston Oilers in 1987.

At a news conference last week, Kugler said tailbacks Joshua Fields and Ronald Awatt would see time at tailback against Arizona, but neither did. After the game, Kugler reiterated that he expected them to play going forward.

Sources said tight ends and special teams coach Brian Natkin will take over play-calling responsibilities and receivers coach Chuck Veliz will work with the quarterbacks.

Bret Bloomquist may be reached at 546-6359; bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @bretbloomquist on Twitter.