LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University is proud to announce Solo Taylor as the new Defensive Coordinator and Leon La Deaux IV as Offensive Coordinator for the upcoming 2024 season.
Solo Taylor, a familiar name to Mountie fans, has been promoted to Defensive Coordinator after serving as the linebackers and special teams coach last season. Hailing from Rigby, Idaho, Taylor is a graduate of Eastern Oregon University, where he earned his Master of Business Administration degree. During his collegiate playing career, Taylor was a Cliff Harris Award nominee as one of the best small-school linebackers in the country, earning three First Team All-Conference awards in the Frontier Conference and serving as team captain for three consecutive seasons. His leadership and play on the field were instrumental in guiding Eastern Oregon to a Frontier Conference championship in 2020. Additionally, Taylor was a key member of the Boise State Broncos, contributing to their Mountain West Conference Championship and Las Vegas Bowl Championship in 2017.
“Coach Taylor is a competitor. He’s as competitive as a person as I know,” Head Coach Tim Camp said. “He is a coach with immense talent, and I’m looking forward to the excitement that the defense will generate at Community Stadium. His approach emphasizing academic and life skills opportunities is equally important and will complement the student-athlete experience here at Eastern.”
Leon La Deaux IV assumes the role of Offensive Coordinator, adding a diverse background of football experience to the Mountaineers’ staff. Originally from Bournemouth, England, La Deaux is a graduate of Minot State University and the University of Jamestown, holding degrees in Broadcasting and Leadership. His coaching journey includes stints at various institutions, including The College of Idaho, Central Washington University, and the University of North Dakota, while also spending one season as the Offensive Coordinator for the Marburg Mercenaries in Germany. Notably, La Deaux’s coaching tenure saw numerous accolades, including All-American honors for athlete Jon Schofield and multiple conference championships. La Deaux initially made his mark as a second-team all-conference wide receiver, starting 43 career games and amassing 1,692 Receiving Yards during his career at Central Washington and Minot State.
“I wanted an offensive Coordinator who was also a mentor and a teacher of quality and character,” added Coach Camp. “I wanted someone who could recruit young men who were great students, great people, and great athletes. And of course, I wanted a coach who could bring us consistent energy and true passion each and every day.”
Mountie Nation extends a warm welcome to these additions as they embark on a new chapter with Eastern Oregon Football.
