Jas Bains, who has coached the Chadron State defensive backs and special teams the past five seasons, has been named defensive coordinator at Western State College.

Bains, a native of Fresno, Calif., helped the Eagles' defense lead the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in total defense, passing defense and opponent first downs in 2009. As special teams coordinator, he coached both a punter (Kevin Berg) and kicker (Travis Atter) to All-American honors this season. In five seasons, his special team units blocked 30 kicks, including eight in 2009.

­Bains became a full-time member of the Chadron State staff in early 2007 after serving two years as a graduate assistant.

He joined the Chadron State football staff in January 2005 shortly after graduating from Fresno State University, where he played on some nationally-ranked football teams. He graduated from Fresno State in 2004 and helped lead the Bulldogs to three bowl victories.

In a press release from Western State, Bains said he is “excited about the opportunity and the tremendous challenge ahead. I'm looking forward to the upcoming spring and helping this program get to where they want to be and excel.”

Bains will begin his official duties in January. He replaces Brenton Illum, who accepted the head coaching position at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo.

“Jas was an exceptionally motivated and talented coach,” CSC athletic director Brad Smith said. “He did a great job while he was here and I wish him the best in the future.”

Smith said a search will begin for Bains' replacement immediately.