Former University of Colorado quarterback Craig Ochs moves into a new career next week when he returns to the University of Montana as its quarterbacks coach.

Ochs, who transferred to the Big Sky Conference school midway through his sophomore season at CU, said he will leave for Missoula, Mont., today and begin coaching when the Grizzlies resume spring drills.

Ochs will be working for Bobby Hauck, a former CU assistant during Rick Neuheisel's tenure (1995 to 1998) and whose staff includes two other ex-Buffaloes (Ty Gregorak, linebackers; Cedric Cormier, receivers).

Hauck, appointed Montana's coach before Ochs transferred, said his latest hire has a "great aptitude" for coaching that was apparent while Ochs was directing the Grizzlies offense in 2003 and 2004.

"We talked about it often (and) it kind of seemed like the direction he was headed. . . . I'm happy to have him," Hauck said, adding Ochs initially seemed interested in athletic administration after two seasons of trying to break into the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills.

With Hauck's blessing, Ochs, an All-America selection as a senior at Fairview High School, missed Montana's first two weeks of spring practice to remain in Boulder County after the birth of his first child.

Ochs said he spoke with CU coach Dan Hawkins in the summer about possibly working on the Buffs staff as a graduate assistant. He said Hawkins seemed interested and was "very supportive" but did not have a position available.

The Grizzlies, 41-13 under Hauck, finished 12-2 last season, won their fourth conference title in Hauck's four seasons and made a fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.

brooksb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5466