BOZEMAN, Mont. – Milo Austin, a former player at West Virginia, has joined the Montana State football coaching staff, Bobcat coach Rob Ash announced Wednesday.

Austin, tabbed to mentor Bobcat running backs, brings experience at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (Hampton, 2008) and Division II (Midwestern, Tex., State, 2006) levels to the MSU program. He served as running backs coach at both schools, working with current Bobcat assistant Justin Gaines at his stop in Texas, and also has extensive experience coaching and counseling youths.

“Milo is an outstanding young coach who cares deeply about the game of football and the young men who play for him,” Ash said. “He is an excellent student and teacher of the game, and he will also be a caring and committed mentor for his players, both on the field and in the classroom.” Austin graduated from WVU in 1996.

Austin joins new offensive coordinator Brian Wright, MSU’s quarterbacks coach, as newcomers on the team’s revamped offensive staff. Veterans Jason McEndoo (offensive line, eighth year at MSU), Dale Ploessl (tight ends, fifth) and Brian Von Bergen (receivers, second) return.

“I like the mix we have on the offensive side of the ball,” Ash said. “We have coaches with experience coaching at all levels of football who are committed and talented teachers. I’m excited for spring ball to watch this coaching staff work with our players.”

Ash said the Bobcats hope to begin spring drills on Wednesday, March 24.