1. You're going on your seventh year with the Hawks, you've been here for the transition to the Big South all the way into a playoff winning team and 12^th national ranking. What's that transition been like?

TJ DiMuzio We are a program that is trending up. If you look at the facilities that have been built, the players we have recruited, and our level of play; everything is at the highest level it has ever been. The most exciting part is we believe we are just getting started. Coach Callahan created such a strong foundation to this program we can continue to grow and build for years to come.

2. This staff has been largely in-tact for a lot of years, what does continuity do for a program like Monmouth?

TJD This staff is special. It starts with Coach Callahan who is the pillar of stability having been here 28 years after starting the program. He has always hired great people that fit what Monmouth is all about. Our Defensive Coordinator, Andy Bobik, has been here 27 years. Our Offensive Coordinator, Jeff Gallo, played here back in the early 2000s, became a coach here after graduation and never left. Our Offensive Line Coach, Brian Gabriel, has been here 18 years. And the list goes on. The only coach who has been here less than 5 years is Kevin Callahan, JR. and in actuality, he has been with the program since birth.
The reason this is so important is because it allows us to have a consistent message with our alums, our players, and our recruits. When everyone is on the same page, success becomes a matter of "when" not "if." Furthermore, we have a great understanding of what we are looking for in recruiting. We know the young men we are recruiting are of high character, work hard in the classroom, are exceptional football players, and understand what it means to be a Monmouth Hawk.

3. You've been a part of some national championship caliber teams, how can you compare them to the current state of the Monmouth football program?

TJD We are very close. We have the core foundation that those teams had, we just need to continue to build and get better day in and day out. A few years ago, we learned what it takes to win a game in the playoffs. So we went back to work and were able to accomplish that. This year, we learned what it takes to be a National Championship caliber team. So we will go back to work to find those results. 

4. You currently coach the Monmouth quarterbacks but it hasn't always been the case. What are the nuances to coaching different positions?

TJD The best thing for my coaching career has been to coach a number of positions; especially coaching on the defensive side of the ball. It allows me to see the game from a number of different perspectives. Having these different viewpoints, helps me become a better teacher because I can explain why a certain player may be reacting the way he is. 
Coaching on the defensive side of the ball was the most valuable time I spent in order to be a better coach on offense. I was able to learn under one of the smartest defensive minds in the country, who showed me how defenses game plan the multiple offenses they face. Another useful tool I took from coaching defense is learning what different offenses do that give defense's fits and are tough to prepare for.  All of these perspectives, lessons, and tools have helped me become a more well-rounded coach. 

5. You recruit the Philadelphia area, and grew up nearby, who makes the best cheesesteak?

TJD So many good places to choose from, and I have tried a lot of them, but my go to spot is Max's. The sandwich ratio of meat, cheese, and bread is perfect and the staff there is phenomenal.
 
DiMuzio is entering his seventh season at Monmouth. He arrived at West Long Branch to coach the wide receivers after spending time at Bowling Green. Prior to last season he was elevated to Pass Game Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator while working with the Monmouth quarterbacks. Under his tutelage, Reggie White Jr. and Kenji Bahar rewrote the Monmouth wide receiver and quarterback record books, respectively. DiMuzio currently lives in Bradley Beach and can be found having a slice at Del Ponte's Pizza.