TOLEDO - Chris Hauser was named director of high school relations for the University of Toledo football program, head coach Tim Beckman announced today.

Hauser comes to UT following one season as the defensive coordinator at Capital University, and four seasons at Ohio State, one as a graduate assistant and three working with the linebackers as a defensive quality control coach. Hauser, who played defensive back at the University of Akron, has also been an assistant at Akron and Fort Hays (KS) State University.

"Chris Hauser will be a great addition to our football program," said Beckman. "I've known Chris for a long time, going back to when we both were at Ohio State. He's an Ohio guy who knows the high school coaches in this state very well."

Hauser played at Akron in 1998-99 before his playing career was ended by a knee injury. He stayed with the program as an undergraduate student assistant and later as a graduate assistant. Hauser graduated from Akron in 2002 with a B.S. in Health Education and received his M.S. in Sports Science and Coaching in 2004.

Hauser spent the 2005 season at Fort Hays State as the wide receivers coach, before accepting a graduate assistant post at Ohio State in 2006 to work with the defensive ends for defensive coordinator Jim Heacock. Hauser spent the next three seasons seasons as the defensive quality control coach working in conjunction with linebacker coach Luke Fickell to help produce one of the top defenses in the nation.

During his tenure with the Buckeyes, Hauser worked directly with Vernon Gholston, who was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He also mentored a defense that helped OSU win four Big Ten titles, as well as the 2010 Rose Bowl Championship. OSU also made appearances in the 2007 and 2008 BCS National Championship Games and the 2009 Fiesta Bowl during his tenure.

Hauser moved on to Capital University, a Division III school in Bexley, OH, for the 2010 season. He served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, while also serving as the program's recruiting coordinator. He coached two all-conference linebackers, including Sam Jacobs, who was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

Hauser is a native of Columbus, OH and a 1997 graduate of Bishop Hartley High School where he was a four-year starter and team captain on the gridiron. He was the school's male athlete of the year as a senior and was a two-time all-district and all-league selection in both football and baseball. He also helped lead Bishop Hartley to the 1996 OHSAA Division IV State Title.

Hauser and his wife, Whitney, make their home in Sylvania.