Montana State head coach Jeff Choate is a strong candidate to join the Texas staff, sources tell FootballScoop. [Friday evening Update> Sources tell FootballScoop the deal is now in place.]
A deal could be completed as soon as the next 24 hours, we're told.
Steve Sarkisian initially turned to former Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops to fill the linebackers position, but that hire is not happening. Texas formally introduced Sarkisian's staff Friday afternoon with the linebackers position open.
Choate worked with new Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski at Washington in 2014-15, when Kwiatkowski was the Huskies' defensive coordinator and Choate the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator.
Choate, 50, has spent all but two years of his life in the Pacific Northwest, the last four as Montana State's head coach. His last two Bobcats teams have gone a combined 19-9, and the 2019 team reached the FCS semifinals.
Choate was a finalist for the Boise State job that ultimately went to Andy Avalos. He previously coached linebackers at Boise State from 2009-11, at Washington State in 2012 and at Florida in 2013.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
Update> This is a done deal
Friday night update> Bruce Feldman has now been able to confirm our report...