WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Monmouth University football head coach Kevin Callahan has announced the addition of two new staff members on defense as well as promotions for two others as the Hawks prepare for spring practice ahead of the 2024 season.
 
"I am excited to welcome the addition of two outstanding people and excellent football coaches to the Monmouth football program," head coach Kevin Callahan said. "Lewis Walker returns to campus to take over as Defensive Coordinator, in addition to Chris Raitano returning to the staff on the defensive side. They both come from excellent football backgrounds and will be great additions to our coaching staff."

On the defensive side of the ball, Monmouth welcomes back a familiar face as its new Defensive Coordinator, Lewis Walker. Walker previously coached five years at Monmouth as the defensive backs coach during the program's most successful era, from 2017-21. The Hawks made three FCS playoff appearances during Walker's time on staff before he went to national powerhouse North Dakota State to coach the Bison cornerbacks for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Walker is a 2013 graduate of Utah and also spent time coaching in the Ivy League at Columbia in 2015 and 2016.

Joining Walker and also returning to the staff for a second stint is Linebackers Coach Chris Raitano. The Monmouth graduate coached the defensive line at Stetson in 2023 after he was part of the defensive staff at Rice for four seasons. Raitano previously spent four seasons on the sidelines at Monmouth, including three as the defensive line coach and video coordinator from 2016 through 2018, after serving as a defensive quality control assistant in 2015.

In addition to the newcomers, Callahan announced the promotions of Jeff Gallo and Dennis Long.

"In addition to the new additions to the staff, Jeff Gallo has been named Associate Head Coach of the football program here at Monmouth and Dennis Long has been promoted to the full time Special Teams Coordinator," Callahan added. "Both Jeff and Dennis have done a fantastic job and we are very excited about their promotions."

The 2024 season will be Gallo's 20th on the Monmouth sidelines, fifth as Offensive Coordinator and first as Associate Head Coach. Gallo also coaches the Monmouth tight ends, a position he has held since 2007. Under Gallo's direction, the 2023 season saw Monmouth's offense continue its success from the 2022 campaign. The Hawks ranked 12th in total offense (431.5 ypg) and 13th in scoring offense (32.5 ppg) thanks in large part to a pair of consensus First Team All-Americans in running back Jaden Shirden and wide receiver Dymere Miller.
 
Long has been elevated from Special Teams Coach to the program's full-time Special Teams Coordinator. Long has coached three student-athletes who have earned postseason recognition during his two seasons at Monmouth. Most recently, TJ Speight was honored by Phil Steele/Draft Scout with a Third Team All-CAA award for his efforts as a return man under Long's guidance.

Monmouth begins its third season as a member of the CAA in 2024 and will open spring practice in late March.