After a weekend of speculation, University of Texas at El Paso officials formally announce their pick for the new head football coach.

This was no random pick. It's someone with a long history and strong ties to UTEP.

"With that, let me introduce our new football coach, coach Sean Kugler," Bob Stull, UTEP athletic director said at a press conference.

The crowd, filled with former teammates, friends and colleagues among dozens of others, stood in honor of the new coach.

"That's what makes El Paso. The quality of people here," Kugler said. Sean Kugler, who is currently an offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and has spent 11 years in the NFL and nearly a decade coaching college ball. But it's much more than his experience that he brings to the table.

"What makes him so special is that rich experience is tied to his own relationship with the University of Texas at El Paso," said UTEP President Diana Natalicio.

Kugler played and coached at the school under current athletic director Bob Stull.

"Anybody that you talk to will tell you nobody's a better teacher than Sean," said Stull.

Current UTEP lineman Brander Craighead thinks Kugler has what it takes.

"He's a hard-nosed guy, he's no-nonsense, and I think that's everything our team needs. He is going to bring a lot to our program and I think he's going to bring discipline that I think we need right now," said Craighead.

Another player, James Davidson, has mixed emotions.

"He really brought a winning tradition too, so there's really no replacing Mike Price," said Davidson.

Kugler calls himself former head coach Mike Price's biggest fan, and will continue to do what it takes to take this team to the next level.

"I've been very blessed to have the opportunity to coach in high school, college and at the professional ranks, and one thing is constant, I just love coaching football," said Kugler.

Kugler said he will fulfill his obligation to finish the rest of the season with the Steelers.