updated 7:03 p.m. ET Feb. 14, 2006

CANYON, Texas - NFL bust Ryan Leaf returned to football far from the spotlight Tuesday, joining Don Carthel’s West Texas A&M staff as quarterbacks coach.

“I feel very honored to be a part of Coach Carthel’s staff and a part of an up-and-coming successful program,” Leaf said. “About a year after I retired from playing, I decided that I wanted to get back to college, where I had the greatest time of my life, and to get involved with college football.”

Leaf, the former Washington State star drafted second overall by San Diego in 1998, spent five seasons in the NFL. His career was plagued by injuries and interceptions, along with numerous off-the-field problems.

After winning seven games in the four previous seasons, the Division II Buffaloes were 10-2 last season in Carthel’s first year. Leaf takes over for Wes Phillips, who left along with offensive coordinator Lee Hays to take the same positions at Baylor.

“Ryan brings a great deal of football experience and knowledge to our quarterbacks. We’re excited about him further developing our quarterbacks Dalton Bell and Keith Null,” Carthel said Tuesday.

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