Both would miss spring camp, which started last week.
Suddenly, BYU's offensive line, which many believed would be a strength of the team, has some holes to fill. But Empey, who previously coached at BYU for a total of eight seasons under LaVell Edwards and Gary Crowton, remains undeterred.
"For the record, I have a good group, with experienced guys," he said. "They are tough. There is some good leadership there. I am not starting from scratch, teaching them how to play football. There are just some skills that fit our concepts that are different from what they have been doing.