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Multiple reports point to Nu'u Tafisi as BYU's next head strength and conditioning coach, replacing Frank Wintrich who departed with Bronco Mendenhall to Virginia.
The most firm public report from any media member comes from 1320 KFAN's Mitch Harper.
USC strength assistant Nu'u Tafisi will be the new head S&C coach at #BYU.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 27, 2015
Tafisi most recently served as strength and conditioning assistant at USC in 2015. He previously held similar positions at Utah and Boise State, according to the announcement when hired at USC. Firm information about his tenures there could not be found, although Utah still lists Tafisi on its staff directory.
As a player, Tafisi was a two-year starter at California and was named to the all-Pac-10 second team defense. He spent three seasons (2007-09) as a practice squad member of the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent.
Buzz about Tafisi mounted all day Saturday, beginning with a supposed BYU rumor-sharing Twitter account.
USC strength and conditioning coach Nu'u Tafisi is coming to Provo. The Sitake hire has been huge so far for #BYUFOOTBALL
— CB Insider (@CBInsiderInfo) December 26, 2015
Former teammates, opponents and players coached by Tafisi had some discussion throughout the day.
Now this is a great hire. Dude is a genius in the weight room. https://t.co/daeITlJZsy
— Marc Pouvave (@BodyMARCedUp) December 26, 2015
Former #Cal team8 Nu'u Tafisi was once told he was 2 small 2 play at #BYU. Now he's the new #BYU head SC coach #FunnyHowThingsComeFullCircle
— Marvin Philip (@Marvin_philip) December 26, 2015
Played vs Nu'u Tafisi '05 LV bowl. 1 of best DEs I ever faced. Him & OL @Marvin_philip told they were 2 small by Y, then they killed us
— Jake Kuresa (@jake_kuresa) December 27, 2015
Total Blue Sports also reported the hire.
Strong hire in Nu'u Tafisi leaving USC's strength and conditioning program for BYU; a big win for the Cougar football program. -Talo Steves
— Total Blue Sports (@TotalBlueSports) December 27, 2015
Tafisi's reported hire continues to shape BYU's coaching staff under Kalani Sitake after the official hire of Ed Lamb earlier in the day.