WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- Monmouth head football coach Kevin Callahan recently announced a number of coaching position changes including three additions to his staff and the promotion of Scott Van Zile to Offensive Coordinator.

Van Zile was promoted to OC after Mark Fabish left in early 2008 to join the new staff at the University of Rhode Island.  The former Towson Tiger has been with Monmouth for the past nine seasons, most recently as recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach.  While at Monmouth, Van Zile has coached some of the best players to wear the Blue & White including current Dallas Cowboy wideout Miles Austin.  Over the last two seasons he tutored Adam San Miguel to back-to-back first team all-conference nods.

In his new role he will coach the quarterbacks as well as direct the MU offense.  He will have a talented crew to work with as Monmouth's offense returns four All-Northeast Conference selections including First Team All-NEC quarterback Brett Burke.  Last year Burke led the conference in most passing statistics while leading the conference's most efficient aerial attack.

“I am excited about the opportunity,” said Van Zile.  “I am looking forward to having the chance to work with a veteran offense.  Monmouth's afforded me a great opportunity to grow as a coach over the last nine years.  I have had the chance to work with a lot of good coaches over that time which has prepared me to take on this challenge.  My transition to the new role will be made much easier based on the experienced staff that I work with day in and day out.”

Along with Van Zile being promoted, Callahan announced that former Hawk linebacker Terence Archer, Jeramy Edwards and Matt O'Conner have joined his staff beginning immediately.

Archer played for the Blue & White from 1997-2000, graduating from Monmouth in 2001.  Most recently Archer served as recruiting coordinator at LaSalle University from 2005-07.  He began coaching at the Philadelphia, Pa., school in 2005 where he was responsible for the Explorer running back corps.  In his last two seasons he coached the linebackers and served as special teams coordinator.  From 2002-05 the Media, Pa., native served as League Operations Coordinator for the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.  Archer will work with the Hawks' wide receivers.

Edwards comes to West Long Branch to coach the linebackers after a successful career at Duke University in North Carolina.  He was a four-year letterwinner and a two year starter at inside linebacker for the Blue Devils, where he graduated in 2007.  Edwards finished his career with 156 tackles, including 89 total takedowns as a senior, which was second on the ACC squad.  He played his high school football local at Jackson Memorial High School, where he was a standout player for the Jaguars.  Edwards' brother, Aaron is still involved with the Hawks football program where he starred as a three-time All-NEC selection at defensive back. 

O'Conner begins his second season with Monmouth after working all of last year under Callahan as a defensive assistant.  O'Conner will work with Monmouth's defensive line.  The Navesink, N.J., native was a four year letterwinner at Villanova University where at linebacker he helped the Wildcats win the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship in 1997.  Before his arrival at West Long Branch, O'Conner was a assistant coach at New Egypt High School.  Last year he assisted defensive coordinator Andy Bobik with the Hawk linebackers

“We are happy to have these three become a part of our program,” said Callahan. “Matt did an excellent job as an assistant coach last season, and he is a natural fit to step in to become our defensive line coach.  Terry is a former Monmouth player and understands what our program is built on. His experience at LaSalle will serve him well in his position as our receivers coach.  Jeramy has impressed me since I met him many years ago. He is the brother of Aaron Edwards who was an outstanding player at Monmouth. With his experiences at Duke, playing in the ACC, he will be at great addition to our staff.”

Long time defensive coordinator Andy Bobik was named Associate Head Coach. Offensive line coach Brian Gabriel was named Recruiting Coordinator and Chris Damian, running backs coach was named Video Coordinator.

Monmouth started up spring practice on Sunday, March 31.  For a complete spring schedule and more information please visit www.GoMUHawks.com.

TRANSACTIONS:

Monmouth University Football

Scott Van Zile promoted to Offensive Coordinator

Andy Bobik promoted to Associate Head Coach

Chris Damian promoted to Video Coordinator
Brian Gabriel promoted to Recruiting Coordinator

Terence Archer hired as Wide Receivers Coach

Jeramy Edwards hired as Linebackers Coach

Matt O'Conner hired as Defensive Line Coach