Dec. 13, 2001
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State head football coach Tom Craft continued to fill out his staff Thursday, announcing the hirings of defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer and secondary coach Fred Bleil.
A native San Diegan who coached and played under Craft at Palomar College, Kaumeyer comes to SDSU from the Atlanta Falcons, where he has served as the defensive quality control coach for the past two seasons.
"Thom Kaumeyer is someone with whom I am very familiar," said Craft, who twice previously hired Kaumeyer at Palomar. "He played locally here at San Dieguito High School and then was an All-American at Palomar College before going to the University of Oregon, where he was a team captain. He also played in the NFL and brings a wealth experience to the position."
Kaumeyer, who was a second-team all-Pac-10 selection at Oregon as a senior in 1988, played five years in the NFL, including stints with the Los Angeles Rams (1989), Seattle Seahawks (1990), and New York Giants (1991-93).
Following his NFL career, Kaumeyer receive his start in coaching under Craft at Palomar College, where he served as an assistant coach prior to taking over as the school's head coach in 1994 when Craft left to become the offensive coordinator at San Diego State.
In 1995, Kaumeyer was named head coach of Onward Kashiyama in Japan. After two years, Kaumeyer returned with Craft to Palomar, working as the Comets' defensive coordinator from 1997-99.
"I've watched Tom grow since he was in our program at Palomar College," Craft said. "He's an outstanding communicator and teacher and I believe he's going to be a terrific recruiter. He's someone who has gained a lot of experience and is ready to run the defense here at San Diego State."
Bleil, who was originally named to the Aztecs' coaching staff in March of 1998, becomes the third assistant to be retained by Craft.
"After looking into all the options and having a chance to interview Fred, with his experience and knowledge I think he's still a good fit here and felt it was wise to retain him," said Craft, who announced Wednesday the retention of offensive line coach Damon Baldwin and linebackers coach Charlie Camp. "I think he'll work really well with Thom (Kaumeyer) and Charlie (Camp) and the rest of the defensive staff."
During his four seasons as secondary coach at San Diego State, Bleil has produced a pair of all-conference safeties in Rico Curtis (1998-99) and Will Demps (2000-01). Prior to his arrival on the Mesa, Bleil served as defensive coordinator at North Texas from 1996-97, and at New Mexico from 1992-95. Bleil's resume also includes a stint as head coach and director of athletics at New Mexico Highlands University (1979-82).