RUSTON - Louisiana Tech head coach Jack Bicknell announced Monday that he has promoted Randy Bates to defensive coordinator following this weekend's announcement that John Lovett was leaving for the same position at Bowling Green.

Lovett, who was hired in early March and directed the Tech defensive through spring practice, leaves Bicknell and the Bulldogs in a tough position only three and a half months before the start of fall practice.

However, Bicknell said he is very confident in Bates' ability to handle the defensive coordinator position without missing a beat.

"I am going to promote Randy to this position and we are going to continue forward," Bicknell said. "He is a guy who knows this program as well as anyone and who I've been through a lot of battles with on the field. He is a very good coach. I think this will work out for the best."

Bates enters his sixth season at Louisiana Tech, having served as secondary coach (2000, 2001, 2004), cornerbacks coach (2002) and linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator (2003).

Bicknell said he hoped that Bates would be able to remain the Bulldog's inside linebackers coach but that it depended upon who is was able to find to replace the vacancy left by Lovett's departure.

"It was absolutely critical that we have someone who is familiar with our personnel and our scheme," Bicknell said. "It's tough to have a coach leave at this time of the year but again I think it will work out for us in the long run. I'm excited about giving Randy this opportunity. He's earned it."

Bates replaces Lovett, who was hired to replace Tim Rose, who left following the 2004 season to return home where he accepted a job as the defensive coordinator at Toledo.

"I think it's a great opportunity," said Bates, who was recruiting in Texas. "I know the kind of talent we have returning and I think as a staff we will work hard and find a way to get it done."

Bicknell also announced that tight ends/special teams coach Chris Vaszily has accepted a scouting position with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.

"Chris has been a big part of this staff over the past four years and we wish him the best of luck," Bicknell said. "I've sat in on every special teams meeting we've had so I can be as involved as I need to be in this area during the transition and into this upcoming season."

Vaszily joined the Louisiana Tech staff in 2001 and was a member of that season's Western Athletic Conference championship team, working with the tight ends and with the Bulldogs special teams. During the past two three years, the Kulpsville, Pa., native served as the Bulldogs wide receiver coach.

Bates' promotion is pending approval of the Louisiana Tech Athletic Council and the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.