NAU football coach Jerome Souers normally gets out more than a few times in the early summer, when things aren't so hectic around the Lumberjack football offices and plays a few rounds of golf and takes some vacation time with his family.

This summer has been quite a bit different for the 12th-year head coach, though.

"In all the years I've been here, I don't ever remember working this hard," Souers said. "We've been in full- season mode since last year ended. We are going to be more than prepared for this season."

Souers and his staff have been undermanned this summer, with four different positions open and just one month until fall practice begins.

Shortly after last season ended, longtime defensive coordinator Corey Batoon left to take a job with Arkansas State and secondary/special teams coach Carl Franks left for a similar opportunity at Western Illinois University.

Souers officially announced on Friday that linebackers coach Andy Thompson, who served as the interim defensive coordinator after Batoon left, will be promoted to defensive coordinator on a full-time basis for the upcoming season.

That still leaves Souers with two open positions on the defensive side of the ball and the head coach fully expects to fill those spots before fall practice opens. The program had to wait to receive official permission from the university to fill the openings.

One potential candidate to fill one of the spots on defense is Andy LaRussa. LaRussa, a former UNLV defensive assistant, worked with the Jacks during spring practice and could shift to a full-time role.

Souers said the jobs have officially been made public and will remain posted for approximately three more weeks before any decisions are made.

The two openings on defense have made things more hectic for Souers, Thompson and the rest of the defensive staff, but no one is complaining.

"The entire university is going through things similar to this," said Souers, who helped coach the secondary during spring practice because of the coaching departures. "You have to learn to do more with less and we are. Our staff is doing a great job."

If things weren't hectic enough, two more positions opened this summer.

Strength and conditioning coach Rob Schwartz, who worked with the entire NAU athletic department and not just the football team, left for another opportunity in Texas.

Souers said that position will most likely be the first to be filled and he will a part of the hiring committee.

Also departing from NAU's staff was director of football operations, Jason Gregory. Gregory, who was just with the Jacks for one season, left for the same job at Arkansas St., where he was before coming to NAU.

Gregory's position should also be filled before fall practice opens.

As for all of the openings on the staff, Souers said that isn't a bad thing.

"Long before I got here, NAU football established a tradition of developing young coaches with bright futures," Souers said. "We want them to get good opportunities and move up. More important than coach retention is player retention. That's how you ensure that you practice the same principles on and off the field."

INJURY UPDATE

Souers confirmed on Friday that junior-to-be defensive end Kyle Rath will miss a substantial amount of playing time in the upcoming season because of an ACL injury.

Rath was injured during the last week of spring practice and since he used a redshirt year during his first season at NAU, he will not be eligible for a medical redshirt, meaning the 2009 season will count towards his eligibility, whether or not he plays.

Souers said it is still a possibility that Rath could return for part of the season.

Rath, who was an honorable mention All-Big Sky pick last year, had 33 total tackles, 4 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for loss.

Souers said he doesn't expect any other marquee players from last year to miss anytime at the start of fall practice.

Senior tight end Shaun Fitzpatrick, who took a medical redshirt last season with a shoulder injury, is progressing well and should be ready for fall practice.