EWU loses defensive line coach Ryan Sawyer

Eastern Washington defensive line coach Ryan Sawyer is leaving to pursue other professional interests, he said Thursday.

Sawyer, a member of Beau Baldwin’s staff since 2008, said he plans “entrepreneurial” work in the fields of health and fitness.

Eastern has not named a replacement, and head coach Beau Baldwin was unavailable for comment Thursday. However, sources close to the program said that former EWU player and assistant coach Eti Ena is the front-runner for the position.

Ena just finished his third season as the defensive line coach at Big Sky Conference rival Cal Poly. Prior to that, Ena coached for four years at Idaho as defensive line coach.

Three of Ena’s D-linemen later played in the National Football League, including Aaron Lavarias (New England Patriots), Michael Cosgrove (Detroit Lions) and Benson Mayowa (Seattle Seahawks).

Earlier, Ena was an assistant at Eastern from 2003-5, while Baldwin served as offensive coordinator under Paul Wulff.

Sawyer, who served as defensive front coordinator in his final year at Eastern, coached Buck Buchanan Award winner Greg Peach in 2008 and two-time All-American Renard Willians in 2010-11.

In 2010, Sawyer coached a unit that helped EWU win the national title by leading the Football Championship Subdivisoin in turnovers with 47. The Eagles also ranked sixth in red zone defense.