That arrangement will be evaluated and addressed during the off-season. "It's a work in progress. As the program continues to grow and shift, and responsibilities grow and shift, there are lessons to be learned that way as well," Mendenhall said. "As I become more engrossed in other things the head coach is doing, each individual grows within their given assignment."

• Coaching staff: Mendenhall said it's too soon to know if he'll be losing assistant coaches to other programs.

"It's hard to predict when you've had the success that we've had, your coaches are sought-after," he said. "We'll just have to wait and see on that. It's just a matter of time before it will change."

He added that there are assistants who are looking at other opportunities or are being pursued by other schools.

"I asked them to tell me and be up front when those opportunities happen. I know that's going on in some cases," Mendenhall said. "It will probably happen more with the national convention coming up (next week) and other jobs shifting."

• Recruiting: This weekend, BYU welcomes a group of recruits for their official campus visits, including highly regarded linebacker Manti Te'o. Mendenhall said the Cougars will sign a class that consists of about 25 players in February.

"The class is exceptional, not only in terms of talent and athleticism, but also the quality of people," he said. "That's what we're looking to improve every year."

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com