LOUISVILLE — Louisville football coach Steve Kragthorpe has hired three assistants to fill out his staff for the 2009 season.

Former Utah State head coach Brent Guy and former Tennessee assistant Larry Slade will work as defensive coaches while former Southern Mississippi offensive coordinator Jay Johnson will work with the offense.

Kragthorpe says the experience level of all three coaches will help the Cardinals as they try to rebuild after a 5-7 season.

Kragthorpe also announced special-teams coach Mark Nelson has resigned to pursue other opportunities.