NIU football coach Jerry Pettibone announced Wednesday the appointment of Gary Evans as defensive secondary coach.

Evans joins Pettibone’s staff after seven seasons—the last four as defensive coordinator—at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

With the addition of Evans and the recent resignations of offensive line coach Lawrence Cooley and recruiting coordinator Sam Sample, Pettibone made some changes in staff responsibilities for next season and spring practice.

Fourth-year veteran Mike Sabock swaps his duties with the defensive backs to coach outside linebackers. Second-year man Russ Graham moves from defense to assistant line coach and recruiting chief.

“Basically, the new assignments are based on our change to a four-man defensive front,” Pettibone said. “We used that four-man scheme last year due to all the injuries and plan to utilize it next season.”

Another full-time position will be added later, Pettibone said.