CU assistant head football coach goes to Auburn

By B.G. Brooks, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 18, 2009 at 12:56 p.m.
Updated January 18, 2009 at 12:56 p.m.

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BOULDER — Jeff Grimes invited his University of Colorado offensive linemen to his home for dinner Saturday night. The meal was enjoyable, the after-dinner conversation unsettling.

Grimes, the Buffaloes assistant head coach and running game coordinator/offensive line coach for the past two seasons, told his players he was joining new coach Gene Chizik’s staff at Auburn.

“It was definitely emotional,” sophomore tackle Ryan Miller said Sunday. “‘Grimey’ is one heck of a coach; he’s been a father figure and role model for all of us.

“It’s going to be hard, but you have to move on ... all we can hope for is (coach Dan Hawkins) will hire someone like ‘Grimey.’”

Grimes, 40, joined CU’s staff two seasons ago when Hawkins’ initial O-line hire — Chris Strausser — left after one season in Boulder to return to Boise State.

A CU news release said Hawkins will begin an immediate search for Grimes’ replacement.

The Buffs have two offensive line prospects among their 11 known 2009 commitments, and they entertained at least one line recruit over the weekend. National signing day is Feb. 4, and Hawkins presumably hopes to have a hire made by then.

Grimes spent three seasons at Brigham Young before coming to CU. He called the decision to leave Hawkins’ staff “very difficult. I love these kids and ‘Hawk’; I cried like a baby (Saturday afternoon) when I told him I was going.”

Grimes, who was paid $206,887 this season, indicated Auburn offered more job security than CU, which by state law cannot provide its assistant coaches with multiyear contracts. He said he was not financially motivated to accept the Auburn position:

“Money isn’t everything ... it was one of those things that just felt right in my gut.”

Hawkins has lost just two assistant coaches — Strausser and Grimes — during his three seasons at CU. He called Grimes “a good man, friend and coach; we’ll miss him.”

Grimes’ 2008 line was ravaged by injury, with starters Miller (leg) and Max Tuioti-Mariner (knee) lost for the season. With those two players healthy and other returnees benefiting from a season of experience, Grimes said the Buffs should be measurably better in 2009.

“It’s been that way at a couple of my stops,” he said, laughing. “They get better and I’m gone.”

Meanwhile, according to Rivals.com, CU picked up commitments Sunday from kicker Zach Grossnickle and tight end DaVaughn Thornton, both of Denver East.

Grossnickle, rated as the state’s top kicking prospect, made 12-of-13 field goals as a senior, with his only miss from 58 yards. He chose CU over Kansas.

Thornton caught 44 passes as a senior and also considered scholarship offers from Colorado State, Wyoming and San Diego State.

Their pledges give CU 13 known commitments. Hawkins has said 20-22 scholarships would be available.

CU will hold its annual post-signing day luncheon on Feb. 5 at the Denver Marriott City Center. More information: 303-492-5497.

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