San Diego State hires Borges, Long as coordinators

Dec 31, 2008 - 9:21 PM SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- New San Diego State coach Brady Hoke named his coordinators Thursday, hiring Al Borges to run the offense and former New Mexico coach Rocky Long to guide the defense.

Borges, a two-time nominee for the Frank Boyles assistant coach of the year award. Most recently helped lead Auburn to a 42-9 record and four bowl game appearances from 2004-07.

He has 22 years of service as an offensive coordinator in the college ranks. At Auburn, he helped guide the Tigers to four consecutive top-15 finishes, including an undefeated season and No. 2 ranking in 2004.

"Al Borges brings a wealth of experience with him to San Diego State," Hoke said. "He did a tremendous job in both the SEC and the Pac-10. As a defensive coach, I found it very hard to defend Al's teams."

Long served as New Mexico's coach the previous 11 seasons, posting a 65-69 record.

The last time Long and Borges were coordinators on the same staff was at UCLA in 1997. That season the Bruins went 10-2, won the Pac-10 Conference title and played in the Cotton Bowl.

"This is like coming home," Borges said. "I have always believed that San Diego State is a place where you can win football games. My perception is that the opportunity to win is there. I have known Brady for a long time. He is a solid guy and a very good football coach who has proven he can turn football programs around. I don't see why he won't do the same thing at San Diego State."

Hoke recently took the San Diego State job after guiding Ball State to a 12-0 regular season.