Northwest Notes: Jan. 31, 2015

Schmeddling replaces Graham

as EWU defensive coordinator

CHENEY - A veteran of 11 years on the Eastern Washington football coaching staff, safeties coach Jeff Schmedding will take over as defensive coordinator as part of the changes announced by Eagles head coach Beau Baldwin.

Schmedding, who has served as special teams coordinator since 2008, will also coach safeties for the fifth season in 2015. He is a 1996 graduate of University High in Spokane, and received his bachelor's degree from EWU in 2002.

John Graham will continue as associate head coach, but will move from defensive coordinator to tight ends coach. Former tight ends coach Brian Strandley will move to his native defensive line where he will coach alongside Ryan Sawyer. Sawyer will also assume the new title of defensive front coordinator.

Baldwin said different staff members will assume roles coaching special teams, with those assignments to be determined.

The Eagles are expected to return eight starters on offense and six on defense, plus the team's kicker, from its 2014 team. The Eagles finished 11-3 overall and 7-1 in the Big Sky Conference to win the outright league title for the second straight season. Eastern advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs.