Western Kentucky tight ends coach Richard Owens left his post on Tyson Helton’s staff for a job as Alabama-Birmingham’s offensive line coach, The Athletic reported Sunday.

Zach Lankford has been hired to replace Owens and coach WKU’s tight ends, the Daily News learned Monday.

Lankford previously spent three seasons at WKU, two as an offensive quality control assistant, from 2014-16. Lankford’s time coincided with three consecutive bowl victories and two consecutive Conference USA championships.

In his first stint, Lankford assisted with the O-line and helped develop standouts Forrest Lamp, Brandon Ray, Max Halpin and Darrell Williams.

Lankford spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons at Faulkner University as offensive line coach.

Lankford played tight end at UAB during Helton’s tenure as an assistant. He played for the Blazers alongside Bryan Ellis, who is WKU’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Owens returns to UAB, where he was an assistant from 2012-14. He served last season at Louisville as a recruiting staffer.

Owens is the Hilltoppers’ second staffer to depart since the new year. Running backs coach Montario Hardesty left last month for Charlotte and was replaced by Garret Chachere.{&end}