FORT WORTH, Texas — Former Boise State head coach Andy Avalos was named TCU's new defensive coordinator on Monday.
Horned Frogs coach Sonny Dykes announced the hiring of Avalos a day after the decision was made to not bring Joe Gillespie back for a third season running the TCU defense.
Avalos was 10 games into his third season as Boise State's head coach when he was fired in mid-November with a 22-14 overall record. He was a former Broncos player and assistant coach who was Oregon’s defensive coordinator before his alma mater hired him after the 2020 season to replace Bryan Harsin, who left to become Auburn's coach.
The Ducks were Pac-12 champions both seasons Avalos was there. Before that, he was on Boise State's staff for seven seasons, and served as defensive coordinator from 2016-18.
Avalos spoke with KTVB Sports Director Jay Tust Sunday night, where the former Bronco provided his first comments since his dismissal from Boise State on Nov. 12. Avalos told Tust he did not want to serve as a distraction, so he delayed releasing a statement.
"My family and I are very grateful for all who have reached out to us with their love and support. In respect to the team and focus required to finish strong, we decided to wait on releasing a statement," Avalos said. "We are so thankful for the opportunities we have had at Boise State, the relationships built, and the chance to be a part of something special. To the players, I am grateful for each and every one of you and blessed to have in in my life. Love you guys!"
Boise State turned to Spencer Danielson to lead the way the remainder of the 2023 season following Avalos' departure. The Broncos won three consecutive games, including a 44-20 win over UNLV in the Mountain West title game.
Danielson became the first interim head coach in FBS history to win a conference championship game with the victory in Las Vegas. On Dec. 3, Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey named Danielson the 12th head coach in Boise State's history as a four-year institution.
His journey in the City of Trees began back in 2017, when he started his Boise State tenure as a graduate assistant. One year later, he was promoted to a full-time assistant coach.
For three years under Avalos, Danielson served as the Broncos' defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
"I am incredibly proud of how the team finished. Great job by the coaches for being resilient and bringing home the championship. Much love and respect," Avalos told Tust in the statement. "To all of Bronco Nation, the donors who supported us with more than just resources, and the alumni who know what we worked to establish; we came to Boise State tow in championships and to do it with the right values and with integrity and we are proud of what we have accomplished. We are forever thankful for each of you. We wish Boise State football all the best in the future."
TCU ranked 100th out of 130 FBS teams this season allowing 408.3 total yards per game, and 78th giving up 29 points a game. The Horned Frogs went 5-7 and missed a bowl game a year after making it to the national championship game.
Even during that playoff season, Gillespie's first at TCU, the Frogs allowed 27.8 points and 417.7 yards per game.
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