BOISE, Idaho — Head coach Spencer Danielson has retained two members of the Boise State coaching staff and cemented both of his coordinators on consecutive days leading up to the LA Bowl.
Danielson on Thursday announced Erik Chinander is staying with the program as its next defensive coordinator, a title Danielson has held the past three seasons. Chinander will continue to coach the Bronco defensive line while handling the play-calling duties.
Chinander joined Boise State's staff in December 2022 as the assistant head coach and defensive run-game coordinator, in addition to mentoring the linemen. He previously served as the defensive coordinator at Nebraska (2018-2022) and UCF (2016-2017).
"It is a wonderful opportunity to take on this new role as part of coach Danielson's staff," Chinander said. "In less than a year I have come to really treasure the special people in Boise, especially the great student-athletes we have. I am proud of the way they have overcome adversity this year and continued to hold themselves to the Boise State standard. I know the future is bright for this program and look forward to what we are building towards next year."
The Broncos lead the Mountain West and rank 10th in the nation with 36 sacks entering Saturday's matchup with UCLA. The defensive unit also sits second in the conference in rushing defense, allowing 123.62 yards on the ground per game.
Chinander's deal is a two-year contract worth $880,000, pending approval from the Idaho State Board of Education. He is set to become the highest paid defensive assistant in Boise State history. Danielson will maintain his defensive play-calling during the LA Bowl before Chinander takes over.
"I am really excited that Erik is taking the defensive coordinator role and staying at Boise State," Danielson said. "He has such a bright and innovative defensive mind, and truly is an elite teacher of the game. He focuses on the development of players on and off the field and is dedicated to building long-lasting relationships."
Boise State has two remaining vacancies on its staff, with Danielson having coached the linebackers prior being promoted to head coach on Dec. 3. Co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Kane Ioane is leaving the program to become Nevada's new defensive coordinator under Jeff Choate.
Chinander quickly developed a young Bronco defensive line in his debut season in Boise. Junior defensive end Ahmed Hassanein has tallied 12.5 sacks this fall, up from just a pair of sacks in 2022. Hassanein ranks second in the Mountain West in both sacks and tackles-for-loss (15.5) and received first team all-conference honors.
The new defensive coordinator was named a top-25 recruiter by Rivals in 2021. Prior to Nebraska and UCF, he spent time at Oregon, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Northern Iowa and Ellsworth Community College in Iowa.
On Wednesday, Danielson announced former Bronco quarterback and first-year play-caller Bush Hamdan will remain Boise State's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Hamdan also earned the title of associate head coach.
Hamdan is also getting a two-year deal, worth $940,000. He will earn $460,000 the first season and $480,000 in year two. Hamdan is receiving a $35,000 pay bump, as he was scheduled to make $425,000 next season.
Watch more on Boise State Football:
See all of our Boise State football coverage in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.