ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Under the tutelage Saga Tuitele, who has served as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Cal Poly, the Mustangs have led the FCS in rushing for the past three years. Now, Tuitele is going to bring that to New Mexico, as head coach Bob Davie has announced that Tuitele has been named run game coordinator and offensive line coach.
“We are excited to add Saga Tuitele to our staff,” said Davie. “Saga has a tremendous track record of developing offensive linemen and his experience as an offensive coordinator and familiarity with our scheme will be another added benefit to our offensive staff.”
Tuitele is a veteran of option offenses, having spent time at both Cal Poly and at Army coaching the offensive line. For the past seven seasons, Tuitele has served as the offensive line coach. He was the co-offensive coordinator from 2009-2013, and the co- was removed from his title for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Under Tuitele, the Cal Poly Mustangs have led the FCS in rushing yards per game in each of the last three seasons, including averaging 387.3 yards per game last season. The Mustangs finished fourth in rushing in 2010, sixth in 2011 and third in 2012.
Last season Cal Poly also finished in the top 10 in fourth down conversions (5th), first downs (6th) and total offense (8th).
Prior to Cal Poly, he served as the offensive line coach at Army under Tim Walsh, whom he also coached with and played under at Portland State. Tuitele coached the defensive line at Portland State, helping the Vikings lead the Big Sky in total defense, rushing defense and scoring defense in 2004.
Tuitele was a two-time All-Big Sky performer at Portland State, earning honorable mention All-America honors as a senior offensive guard after starting his career as a defensive tackle, where he played for two seasons.
Tuitele, 35, earned a bachelor’s degree in social science from Portland State in 2002. An All-CIF Southern Section and All-State defensive lineman at Pacific High School in San Bernardino in the mid-1990s.
Tuitele and his wife, Rachel, have four children, To’omalatai, Tifaimoana, Saga III and Teuila. His hire is pending all paperwork and H.R. approval.
Saga Tuitele Named Run Game Coordinator/OL Coach
