New rule expands opportunities for young coaches

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — When longtime special teams coordinator Joe DeForest left to take charge of West Virginia’s defense, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy took advantage of a new NCAA rule to help replace him. Gundy brought in graduate assistant Ty Linder from Texas Tech and gave him oversight of the Cowboys’ punts, kickoffs and field goals. It was a move made possible by a new NCAA rule that allows football programs to have four graduate assistants – instead of just two – starting this season. Linder, an ex-linebacker for the Red Raiders, had worked with tight ends and special teams for four years at his alma mater before Gundy picked him to come to Stillwater. He had to wait in limbo for a few months until the rule took effect in August, in time for training camp. ”I knew we were going to need some help,” Gundy said. Oklahoma State also hired safeties coach Van Malone from Tulsa to fill DeForest’s duties, keeping the number of allowed assistant coaches at …