Robert Anae leaving: Arizona line coach reportedly hired as BYU offensive coordinator

Rich Rodriguez worked diligently last winter to put together one of the top coaching staffs in the nation. It pay dividend for the young Arizona Wildcats in Rodriguez's first season, with the team posting an 8-5 record and a New Mexico Bowl win. On Friday, UA lost one of their top assistants.

Offensive line coach Robert Anae, who worked under both Rodriguez and former head coach Mike Stoops in Tucson, has accepted the offensive coordinator position with the BYU Cougars. Rumors of the hire broke early Friday morning, and the school confirmed the reports with an official release.

Anae is familiar with the BYU program. He served as the program's offensive coordinator from 2005-2010 under Bronco Mendenhall before leaving for UA. He was regarded as a solid recruit and diligent coach while working with the Wildcats.

"I'd like to thank Greg (Byrne), Rich Rodriguez and the Arizona staff and players for an outstanding year in 2012. It was my privilege to be part of the Arizona program the past two years and to have coached the players I worked with in Tucson," Anae said. "I'd like to thank Tom Holmoe, Bronco Mendenhall and the BYU administration for the opportunity to return to BYU. My family and I look forward to an outstanding experience in a very familiar place."

Arizona is yet to announce a replacement for Anae. Look for Rodriguez to make a final decision in the coming weeks.