Miles Kochevar (Ko-CHAVE-er) is in his second season as defensive coordinator and defensive backs. He came to WT from a successful two-season stint at Humboldt State University as the defensive coordinator. In 2015 HSU ranked first in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense. He coached the GNAC Defensive Lineman of the Year, Dillon Huffman, and the conference's Newcomer of the Year, safety Chris Hannible. In total, eight defensive players were named All-GNAC in 2015. Kochevar and the Lumberjacks made their first appearance in the second round of the 2015 NCAA playoffs.
Prior to Humboldt State, Kochevar spent three seasons at Colorado State as a defensive assistant under current Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain. Before that, he spent four seasons at Colorado Mesa University.
In 2010, Kochevar's defensive expertise helped Colorado Mesa rank fourth overall in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in total defense. Inside linebacker Bennett Newton ranked 12th in Division II and led the conference in tackles per game (11.0). Defensive back Aaron Silverhorn ranked third in the league in tackles as five defensive players earned All-RMAC honors, including Newton being named to the National Football Foundation All-Colorado Team.
Kochevar had two CMU defensive backs earn All-RMAC honors and three were named all-conference in special teams in 2008. All-American kicker Jared Keating was named RMAC Special Teams Player of the Year and invited to play in the Cactus Bowl. In 2007, the Mavericks qualified for the NCAA playoffs.
He was a three-year varsity letterwinner at Colorado State and was a team captain his senior year in 2005 during which he led the team in tackles with 91. He was voted Most Valuable Player by the Rocky Mountain Collegian.
A native of Fruita, Colo., Kochevar was a three-sport athlete for the Wildcats. He played football, basketball and basketball. Kochevar was a three-time all-conference and two-time all-state defensive player and was named to the All-Colorado Team and Rocky Mountain Defensive Player of the Year following his senior season.
Kochevar and his wife Krista reside in Canyon.
