WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth University football head coach Kevin Callahan has announced the addition of James Groce as the program's new defensive line coach. 

"We are excited to welcome James to our football coaching staff," Callahan stated. "His extensive experience, both as a player and coach, with the defensive line adds significant value to our defensive staff. James is a highly organized, knowledgeable and thorough coach.  Additionally, he is a proven recruiter with a history of success within our geographic footprint."

Groce came to Monmouth following a brief stint at Colgate this spring and also spent the previous six seasons at Marist where he held the same position. During his time in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Groce coached six All-Conference selections, one ECAC Second-Team student-athlete, and a Phil Steele All-American. In addition to the success on the field, Groce served as co-advisor to Marist's Black Student-Athlete Alliance, and was part of Marist's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action (IDEA) Committee.

Prior to his time at Marist, Groce was the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at West Virginia State for three years, where he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to the program's first winning season in over 10 years. Groce recruited extensively in Virginia and Maryland during his time at West Virginia State.

Groce began his coaching career at Concord High School in Wilmington, Del. In his lone season as defensive line and wide receivers coach, he produced two All-Conference players, including one who went on to play FCS football.  

A defensive lineman in college, Groce began his playing career at Coastal Carolina before transferring to West Chester, where he played for four seasons. 

Groce graduated from West Chester in 2014 with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. He later went on to earn a Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications from Marist in 2021.
  
Groce originally hails from Newark, Del., and played scholastically at Caravel Academy.