Updated on 1/22/21 with the formal announcement by UTEP 

It appears as if UTEP is ready to hire his next defensive coordinator, and the move has ties dating back to Dana Dimel's coaching stint at Houston.

Bradley Dale Peveto is set to become the next defensive coordinator for the Miners, first reported Zach Barnett of Football Scoop on Friday, Jan. 15. 

UTEP head coach Dana Dimel announced Peveto's hiring on Friday afternoon, Jan. 21, a week after the report was released. Sources tell 600 ESPN El Paso that the deal was being finalized over the past week.

“One of biggest positives about adding Bradley to the staff is I know him well, we’ve worked together and he’s done a tremendous job in his previous stops,” Dimel said. “He was recognized as the number one recruiter in country recently and he comes from a very well-recognized family. His dad was a high school football coach in Texas. Not only is he bringing a ton to the table schematically, but also with his recruiting reputation. He’s an upbeat, high energy coach and I believe he will be a really positive asset to our program.”

 

Peveto coached linebackers and special teams on Jimbo Fisher's staff at Texas A&M in 2018-19. He started his coaching career back in 1987 at Trinity Valley Community College, and has served as a head coach and defensive positional coach, along with coaching special teams at various universities.

He's had coaching experience at Ole Miss (2017), LSU (2014-16; 2005-08), Kentucky (2013), Northwestern State (head coach, 2009-12) and Middle Tennessee (2003-04).

Peveto was Dimel's co-defensive coordinator at Houston from 1999-02. Dimel went 8-26 as the head coach for the Cougars from 2000-02.

The Beaumont, Texas native will replace Mike Cox, who was fired after three seasons with the Miners.

"While this was a difficult decision to make, I feel it is in the best interest of our football program moving forward," said Dimel in a statement. "These are good men and I would like to thank them for their service, and wish them well in the future."

The Miner defense in 2020 was ranked the 47th FBS defense in the country, holding opponents to 381 yards per game.

Prior to the final game against North Texas, four defensive backs entered the transfer portal. UTEP did announce the signing of Kansas State cornerback transfer Walter Neil Jr, who played in 11 games during 2019 for the Wildcats totaling 21 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups and an interception.

After the firing of Cox, Dyvonne Inyang and Dennis Barnes each went out of the transfer portal and are back with the Miners, according to 247Sports. Duron Lowe announced his transfer to Liberty while Broderick Harrell continues to explore his transfer options.

The replacement of Mike Canales, who was also fired as the offensive coordinator, hasn't been announced yet. Dimel previously said that the Miners will get started with their offseason workouts on Jan. 19.

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