Report: FAU will hire new O-line coach

The Florida Atlantic assistant coaches replacement plan appears to be over.

The Owls intend to hire UNLV’s John Garrison as the new offensive line coach, according to FootballScoop.com.

Garrison had been with the Runnin’ Rebels program since 2015. Last year he led an offensive line that led the way for the nation’s 18th-best running attack at 240.2 yards a game. Before UNLV, Garrison was on staff at Nebraska from 2008-14 and served as the offensive line coach his final season.

He replaces Garin Justice, who left for Arizona in December. There were rumors of Justice returning after it was revealed he wouldn’t be retained when Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez was unexpectedly fired and replaced with Kevin Sumlin.

Garrison has the tough task of duplicating last year’s success under Justice. The Owls had the nation’s No. 6 rushing offense at 285.3 yards a game. They also became the first team in Conference USA history to have three first-team All-Conference linemen, including center Antonyo Woods, Roman Fernandez and Reggie Bain. With Woods and Fernandez lost to graduation, Garrison will be in charge of revamping an offensive line with limited experience.

The hiring means the Owls have now replaced all three assistants who left after their breakout season, finishing 11-3 and defeating Akron in the Boca Raton Bowl.