BYU assistant football coach Barry Lamb today announced he is taking a leave of absence from his coaching duties for health-related reasons.

The length of the leave has not been determined, but Lamb will not participate in the team's upcoming spring practices scheduled to run from March 15 to April 10.

"Barry is a valued member of our staff and a fiercely loyal and true friend," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "I fully support Barry taking this leave to take care of important personal priorities."

Lamb coaches outside linebackers and special teams on Mendenhall's staff, helping the Cougars achieve a 49-15 record over the past five seasons. A 33-year veteran defensive coach who has coached in 12 bowl games, Lamb has served the past 16 seasons as a Cougar assistant since joining LaVell Edwards' staff in 1994.

During Lamb's absence defensive graduate assistant Nick Howell will assume his responsibilities.