Several reports say Choate leaving for DC job

MULTIPLE MEDIA OUTLETS on Saturday reported that WSU linebackers coach Jeff Choate is leaving to join new UTEP coach Sean Kugler as the Miners' defensive coordinator.

"His staff is already taking shape as Washington State linebackers coach Jeff Choate will be his defensive coordinator," said the El Paso Times in reporting the hire of new head coach Sean Kugler, who is replacing Mike Price.

Jeff Choate was Mike Leach's final assistant COACH hire a little less than a year ago, coming on board in January.

Choate came to WSU from Boise State, where his primary responsibilities were on special teams. Before BSU, Choate spent a season as Eastern Illinois’ special teams coach, with the previous two years serving as the special teams coach at Utah State. Choate was a graduate assistant at Utah State and worked with the defensive line and safeties before becoming the special teams coach.

From 1997-2001 Choate was the head football coach at Post Falls High in Idaho and served as athletic director the final two years. He graduated from St. Maries (Idaho) High School and later Montana-Western University.