Texas State’s first coaching staff under new head coach Jake Spavital is starting to take shape.

The Bobcats will hire former Colorado School of Mines coach Bob Stitt as offensive coordinator, according to Bruce Feldman. They will also hire former Texas Tech co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Zac Spavital as defensive coordinator, according to the Austin American-Statesman’s Keff Ciardello. The latter is Jake Spavital’s brother.

Stitt, 54, gained a reputation of building exciting offenses at lower-level schools. He helped Mines win three conference championships and produce Harlon Hill winner Chad Friehauf. Stitt has quietly helped consult for other notable coaches, including West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen. He spent the last year as an offensive analyst at Oklahoma State under Mike Gundy, and was also head coach at Montana for three seasons.

Zac Spavital helped lead strong defensive resurgences at both Texas Tech and Houston alongside renowned defensive coordinator David Gibbs. He was promoted to co-defensive coordinator before the 2018 season. Zac Spavital also coached at Oklahoma as a graduate assistant between 2005 and 2007.

It’s unclear at this point whether Jake Spavital or Stitt will call plays at Texas State. Spavital noted that he would likely default to calling plays unless he got an offensive coordinator who he really trusts. Stitt has called plays at the lower level since 1990. He just might be that guy.

All-America nod

Texas State tight end Keenen Brown was also named a Pro Football Focus First Team All-American.

Brown was easily the Bobcats’ best player in 2018. He caught 51 passes for 577 yards and five touchdowns. In an effort to get him the ball more, Texas State even called his number for eight rushes, two of which went for touchdowns.

After being granted a sixth year of eligibility, Brown is expected to return to San Marcos next season.

Spavital was much more forward about using tight ends in his offense in 2018. West Virginia turned to senior Trevon Wesco in an expanded role. He caught 24 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown. With Brown in the mix, Spavital will undoubtedly find more dynamic ways to use the tight end.