Rockets Finalize Football Coaching Staff

TOLEDO OH – University of Toledo head football coach Jason Candle announced the addition of seven assistant coaches to the Rockets' staff today. Joining Candle's staff are Brian George (defensive coordinator/defensive line), Brian Wright (co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Robby Discher (tight ends/special teams), Mike Hallett (offensive line), Cory Robinson (cornerbacks), Mike Ward (linebackers) and Ross Watson (safeties).

   Returning to the Toledo staff are Anthony Johnson (co-offensive coordinator/running backs) and Derek Sage (receivers).

   Candle also announced that Brad Bichey will be the new strength and conditioning coach, and Ricky Ciccone will be the new director of high school relations. In addition, Andrew Terwilliger has been promoted to the position of director of football operations.

   Candle said he is excited about his coaching staff and is looking forward to the 2016 season.

   "To be a great coach you have to be a great teacher. I believe that all these men that we've hired are great teachers," said Candle, "From a recruiting standpoint, a lot of our staff have strong ties to Ohio and the surrounding area. It's important that the four-hour radius around Toledo that we call Rocket Nation is solidified and recruited well. Some of the coaches have strong ties to places where we recruit, such as Florida, Western Pennsylvania, Chicago and Detroit. I'm very happy with the staff we've put together."

   Candle assumed the head coaching position on Dec. 2 following Matt Campbell's departure to Iowa State. He led the Rockets to a 32-17 victory over No. 24 Temple in the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl, which gave Toledo a 10-2 record for the season. He had been an assistant at UT for seven years, the last four as offensive coordinator.

   The following is an overview of Toledo's new football staff:

Brian George – Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line

   Former Kent State assistant Brian George joins the Rockets as the program's defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.

   George was an assistant at Kent State from 2011-15, including the last three seasons as the Golden Flashes' defensive coordinator. He coached the defensive line in all of his five seasons at KSU.

   "Brian was one of the guys who gave us fits trying to prepare to play against his Kent State defenses," said Candle. "I've followed his career the last few years. To do what they've done on defense the last few years is really impressive. He knows our defense and how we term everything and how we prepare for games so that will keep some consistency there. But most important, Brian is a good person and a great teacher of young men."

   This past season, Kent State ranked third in the Mid-American Conference in total defense (350.1 yards/game) and fifth in scoring defense (26.1 points/game). Four of KSU's five All-MAC players came from the defensive side of the ball, including junior safety Nate Holley, a two-time first-teamer who finished fourth in the nation with 11.8 tackles per game. In 2014, Holley was named first-team All-MAC and ranked third in the nation in tackles. Safety Jordan Italiano earned Academic All-America honors for the second time this past season.

   In George's first season as defensive coordinator in 2013, three Golden Flashes were named to the All-MAC team on defense. Roosevelt Nix earned first-team All-MAC honors and claimed a spot on the SI.com All-America team.

   During Kent State's 2012 MAC East title run, two defensive linemen (Nix and Jake Dooley) earned all-conference honors. In a rare feat, four defensive linemen (Mark Fackler, Richard Gray, Dana Brown, Zack Hitchens) combined for six interceptions. The D-line also forced five fumbles, helping the Flashes finish fourth in the nation in turnover margin.

   Under George's guidance in 2011, Nix was a first-team All-MAC selection after leading the team with 17 tackles for loss. Nix was twice named MAC East Defensive Player of the Week and forced a team-high three fumbles in his sophomore campaign. Additionally, senior defensive lineman Ishmaa'ily Kitchen was selected to play in the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game and was later signed by the Cleveland Browns.

   In conference-only games in 2011, the Golden Flashes ranked first in the MAC in total defense, red-zone defense and pass-efficiency defense. Kent State also ranked second in sacks and scoring defense. Nationally, the Flashes ranked seventh in fumbles recovered and turnover margin, 10th in turnovers gained, 18th in tackles for loss and 21st in total defense.
George also served as the team's community coach, organizing player visits to local hospitals, elementary schools, and other charitable events.

   Prior to his stint at Kent State, George spent six seasons as the co-defensive coordinator at Indiana. He mentored the defensive tackles from 2009-10 after serving as the defensive line coach from 2005-08.

   During his time at IU, the defensive line set the school record with 42 sacks in 2007 and had the fourth-highest total (31) in 2008. George also had two consecutive Hendricks Award finalists in Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton. Middleton was the nation's leader in sacks in 2007 with 16, and Kirlew had a record-setting year in 2008 with 10.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. George also coached second-team All-Big Ten defensive end Victor Adeyanju in 2005, who was selected in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams. George also had a young tackle who was recognized for his accomplishments, as Larry Black Jr. was on the Sporting News Freshman All-American Team and earned All-Big Ten honors in 2009.

   Prior to his post at Indiana, George was the co-defensive coordinator at Miami University in 2004, helping the squad reach the MAC Championship Game and Independence Bowl. He was also Miami's defensive line coach from 2001-03. In 2003, the RedHawks won the MAC Championship and the GMAC Bowl and finished the season ranked 10th in the country by the Associated Press.

   George started and lettered four years as a fullback at Ohio University. He was named Ohio's Scholar-Athlete of the Year in his senior season. After receiving his bachelor's degree in special education in 1994, George taught and coached running backs at Pickerington (OH) High School for three years before joining Miami's football program in 1998.

   George is a 1990 graduate of Graham High School in St. Paris, OH. He was a prep all-conference performer in football, basketball and track. George and his wife, Jasa, have a son, A.J., and a daughter, Maren.

Brian George's Coaching Experience
2016       Toledo – Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
2013-15   Kent State - Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
2011-12   Kent State - Defensive Line
2005-10   Indiana - Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
2004       Miami (OH) – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
2001-03   Miami (OH) – Defensive Line
1998-2000 Miami (OH) – Graduate Assistant

Brian Wright – Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

   Former Florida Atlantic offensive coordinator Brian Wright will serve as Toledo's co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Wright has 21 years of coaching experience at the college level, including 14 seasons as a coordinator at four different schools.

   "Brian brings a lot of experience to the table, but most importantly he believes in what we believe in offensively," said Candle. "He understands the importance of details, of playing situational football and winning those situations. He also understands how the pace of the game has changed. He has done well adapting his offenses to how today's football is played. He will provide great leadership for our quarterbacks and will do a tremendous job developing those young men."

   Wright coached at Florida Atlantic for the past four seasons as the Owls' offensive coordinator. Upon his arrival at FAU in 2012, Wright undertook the task of converting FAU to an up-tempo attack as opposed to the pro-style which had been the Owls' mainstay. FAU made significant improvements in all major offensive categories from the previous season, including total offense and points scored.

   In his second year at FAU, Wright stepped in as interim head coach for the final four games of the 2013 season, leading the Owls to four consecutive victories and bowl eligibility (6-6) for the first time since 2008. FAU outscored its last four opponents, 151-40, and averaged 428.8 yards per game, including 240.5 yards on the ground. For the season, FAU set school records for rushing yards, yards per carry and rushing TDs. Sophomore quarterback Jaquez Johnson earned Conference USA Newcomer of the Year and set the then-school record for total offense.

   At the conclusion of the 2013 season, Wright elected to stay at FAU and was named associate head coach/offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Senior wide receiver Lucky Whitehead led C-USA in receptions in 2014 and was No. 18 nationally in all-purpose yards. In 2015, FAU began the year by posting 44 points in an overtime loss to Tulsa. Johnson lent his name to the record books as the only Owl quarterback in program history to surpass the 5,000 yard passing and 1,500 yard rushing plateau.

   Prior to his stint at Florida Atlantic, Wright spent two seasons at Montana State as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Wright's two Bobcat offenses, led by dynamic quarterback DeNarius McGhee, averaged 440.6 yards per game, easily the most productive two-year span in school history. After leading the Big Sky in scoring offense, total offense and passing offense in 2010, Wright's unit topped the league in scoring offense and total offense in Big Sky games in 2011. Wright handed the reins, in his first season at MSU, to redshirt freshman quarterback McGhee, who was named Big Sky Offensive Co-MVP, a first at MSU since 1984, and NCAA I-AA Freshman of the Year by one organization.

   Before heading west to Montana State, Wright served nine years at perennial FCS power Youngstown State. Wright joined the Penguins' staff in 2001 as quarterbacks coach, also working as offensive coordinator from 2005-09. Wright helped engineer record-setting offenses at Youngstown State, with the team winning two Gateway Conference championships and advancing to the 2006 FCS final four. Wright previously had served as an offensive GA at Youngstown State in 1997 where his primary responsibilities were with the NCAA I-AA national champion Penguin receivers.

   Wright began his coaching career as a student assistant at the College of Wooster in 1994 following a season-ending injury in his senior season. He moved on to Walsh (OH) University as a graduate assistant in 1995-96. After a year as a GA at YSU, he returned to Walsh in 1998 where he first began working with wide receivers and was then elevated to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, where he served until 2000.

   Wright attended Wooster High School in Wooster, OH, and earned his bachelor's degree in business from the College of Wooster in 1994 and his master's degree in eduction from Walsh in 1998. He and his wife Laura have three children, Jake (12), Marielle (9) and Joseph (6).

Brian Wright's Coaching Experience
2016       Toledo – Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
2014-15   Florida Atlantic - Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
2013       Florida Atlantic - Interim Head Coach (final four games)
2012-13   Florida Atlantic - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
2010-11   Montana State - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
2005-09   Youngstown State - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
2004-07   Youngstown State - Recruiting Coordinator
2003       Youngstown State - Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers
2001-02   Youngstown State - Quarterbacks
2000       Walsh - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
1999       Walsh - Passing Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks/Co-Special Teams Coordinator
1998       Walsh - Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers
1997       Youngstown State - Graduate Assistant
1995-96   Walsh - Graduate Assistant

Robby Discher – Tight Ends/Special Teams

   Robby Discher will coach the tight ends and serve as the special teams coordinator for the Rockets. He comes to Toledo from Oklahoma State, where he coached wide receivers, tight ends and served as special teams coordinator as a graduate assistant coach for the past two seasons. Discher joined the Rockets' staff in December and helped UT earn a 32-17 Toledo victory over No. 24 Temple at the 2015 Marmot Boca Raton Bowl.

   "Robby is a young, energetic coach who is ready to take over his own meeting room as a tight ends coach and special teams coordinator," said Candle. "He brings a tremendous amount of knowledge of special teams; he was nationally recognized for his efforts with the special teams at Oklahoma State. He will also be a big asset to our tight ends on offense."

   Discher grew up in Kansas City and attended William Jewell (MO) College where he played wide receiver for the Cardinals from 2006-08. He began his coaching career at Kearney (MO) High School in 2009, coaching quarterbacks and linebackers for the Class 4 state champions. From 2010-13 he was at Sam Houston State, where he began as a graduate assistant and eventually was named special teams coordinator. At Sam Houston, Discher was part of teams that won Southland Conference championships in 2011 and 2012. The Bearkats made it to the FCS playoffs three times in Discher's tenure, advancing to the FCS Championship Game in 2011 and 2012.

   Discher moved on to Oklahoma State in 2014, where as a graduate assistant he was the special teams coordinator for two seasons. He was named Special Teams Coordinator of the Year in 2014 by FootballScoop.com. He also coached tight ends in 2014 and assisted with the wide receivers in 2015.

   Discher earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from William Jewell College in 2009 and his master's degree in exercise science from Sam Houston State in 2012.

Robby Discher Coaching Experience
2016       Toledo – Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator
2014-15   Oklahoma State – Graduate Assistant
2012-13   Sam Houston State – Special Teams Coordinator
2010-11   Sam Houston State – Graduate Assistant
2009       Kearney (MO) High School – Quarterbacks/Outside Linebackers

Mike Hallett – Offensive Line

   Former Heidelberg head coach Mike Hallett will serve as the Rockets' offensive line coach. Hallet joined the Rockets' staff in December and helped UT earn a 32-17 Toledo victory over No. 24 Temple at the 2015 Marmot Boca Raton Bowl.

   "Mike Hallett is a winner," said Candle. "He took a team that was at the bottom of the OAC (Ohio Athletic Conference) for a long, long time and turned them into perennial national playoff contenders. He brings experience and energy to our program, and he is a great teacher, which is probably the most important characteristic of a successful coach. His connections in Ohio will make him a huge asset in our recruiting efforts, as well."

   Hallett served as head coach at Heidelberg from 2007-15. His career record in nine years as head coach was 55-36, 46-35 in the OAC. The school's all-time leader in career victories, Hallett turned a program that had lost 36 consecutive games prior to his arrival into a contender in a very competitive Division III conference. After winning four games in Hallett's first season, the Student Princes gradually improved, winning at least eight games in every season from 2011 through 2014. In 2012, Heidelberg went 9-2 record (8-1 OAC) and earned its first-ever berth into the NCAA Playoffs.

   Hallett was named the OAC Coach of the Year and D3Football.com North Region Coach of the Year in both 2007 and 2011. During his tenure, 10 of his players earned All-America honors a total of 12 times, and 60 of his players received All-OAC accolades 96 times.

   A 1994 graduate of Mount Union, Hallett was a two-time All-American for the Purple Raiders in 1992 and 1993, and was named the Division III Lineman of the Year in 1993. He was part of Coach Larry Kehres' first national championship team in 1993 when he racked up 111 tackles and 8.5 sacks. A two-time All-OAC first-team selection as well as a three-time Academic All-OAC pick, Hallett was enshrined in the Mount Union Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.

   After graduation, Hallett coached high school football in Ohio at Orrville (assistant coach, 1988-89), Akron Coventry (defensive coordinator, 1994-96) and Wooster (Head Coach, 1997-98). He moved to the college ranks, working at Thomas Moore as the offensive coordinator (1999-2003) and head coach (2004-06), before accepting the head coaching position at Heidelberg in 2007.

   Hallett, 47, grew up in Orrville, OH and graduated from Orrville High School, where he played football and ran track. He originally enrolled at Kent State in 1987 to play football for the Golden Flashes before transferring to Mount Union. He has two sons, T.C. and Ryan.

Mike Hallett's Collegiate Coaching Experience
2016       Toledo – Offensive Line
2007-15   Heidelberg - Head Coach/Associate Athletic Director
2004-06   Thomas More College – Head Coach
1999-2003 Thomas More College – Offensive Coordinator

Cory Robinson – Cornerbacks

   Cory Robinson joins the Rockets as the cornerbacks coach. He comes to Toledo from the University of Maryland, where he served as the Terrapins' director of player personnel in 2015.

   Prior to serving at Maryland, Robinson was the defensive backs coordinator at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL as the lead developer for high school, college and professional defensive back clients and participants. He also served as the assistant head coach at Saint Frances (MD) Academy High School in 2014. From 2009-13, Robinson held numerous roles at Calvert Hall College (MD) High School from 2009-13, serving as the director of football operations, recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach.

   "Cory has been a very successful high school coach in the Baltimore area," said Candle. "He's a really good technician on the field and will be a great asset to the development of our young corners this year."

   Robinson has coached six current NFL defensive backs in his career, and nearly 30 at the high school level who went on to play collegiately. Robinson is also the co-founder of Next Level Nation, which aims to provide youths with hands-on guidance, leadership and support by creating a purpose-driven environment that builds personal life development.

   Robinson graduated from Central Connecticut State in 2009 with a degree in communications and a minor in business/marketing. He was a starting defensive back on the football team, earning four letters from 2005-08.

   Robinson is engaged to Chandyce Green. He has two children, Denali and Royal.

Cory Robinson's Coaching Experience
2016   Toledo – Cornerbacks
2015   Maryland - Director of Player Personnel
2014-15 IMG Academy - Lead Defensive Backs Developer
2014   Saint Francis (MD) High School - Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator
2009-13 Calvert Hall (MD) College High School - Defensive Backs

Mike Ward – Linebackers

   Mike Ward returns to Toledo as the linebackers coach. He was the co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach at UT from 2009-11 before leaving to coach linebackers at Illinois from 2012-15.

   "Mike is a Northwest Ohio guy with a lot of local ties," said Candle. "He's a tremendous football coach and a tremendous recruiter. He does a great job of developing and maintaining relationships with high school coaches. He also does a really good job of teaching young men, on and off the field. I'm really excited to have Mike back in Toledo."

   A 22-year veteran of the coaching profession, Ward coached linebackers who made Academic All-Big Ten 16 times during his four seasons at Illinois. In 2015, he guided two Illinois linebackers—T.J. Neal and Mason Monheim— to honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. In 2014, Monheim was honorable mention All-Big Ten after he led the team with 111 tackles and led the Big Ten in forced fumbles with four as the Fighting Illini made an appearance in the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl.

   In 2013, linebacker Jonathan Brown earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. Ward guided Monheim to a stellar freshman campaign in 2012, as the rookie linebacker earned second-team Freshman All-America honors from Phil Steele after leading the Illini and all Big Ten freshmen with 86 tackles. During his four years with the Fighting Illini, Ward helped mold Monheim into one of the nation's top linebackers. Monheim ended his career in 2015 with 392 tackles, the seventh-most in Illinois history and the third-most among active FBS players at the end of the 2015 season. Monheim also forced seven career fumbles, tied for the fourth-most in UI history.

   Ward was the assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator on at Toledo from 2009-11 and was instrumental in the rapid development of the Rockets' defense. In 2010 and 2011, the Toledo defense ranked among the national leaders in turnovers forced and turnover margin. In 2010, the Rockets forced 34 turnovers, the fifth-highest takeaway total in the nation and 13 more than the previous season. That total included 20 interceptions, the eighth-most in the country. In 2011, Toledo forced 28 turnovers and had the third-best turnover margin in the nation (1.33).

   The defensive turnaround helped propel Toledo to an 8-5 season and its first bowl appearance in five years in 2010, and an 9-4 season in 2011, including a share of the MAC West Division title and a berth in the Military Bowl. Ward, who coached the linebackers, also helped guide five players to All-MAC honors in 2010 and 2011.

   Prior to his initial coaching stint at Toledo, Ward spent 17 years as an assistant at Bowling Green, including the final two as the defensive coordinator. He began as the program's strength coach from 1992-99 before coaching the defensive linemen from 2000-06 and serving as the defensive coordinator in 2007-08. From 2000-08, Ward coached one All-American, one Academic All-American and nine All-MAC performers. The Falcons had six winning seasons and played in three bowl games during that span. In 2008, Ward helped guide BGSU to a No. 2 ranking in total defense in the conference.

   Prior to becoming a Falcon, Ward was the defensive line coach and strength coach at the University of Findlay for six seasons from 1986-91. Ward also coached at his alma mater, Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY, for two years from 1984-85. He earned a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Georgetown in 1984. He also earned his master's degree in secondary education from Georgetown in 1986. He was a two-time captain and NAIA Division I All-American at Georgetown. He was inducted into the Georgetown Hall of Fame in 2015.

   A native of Mansfield, OH, Ward attended Mansfield Lexington High School. Ward and his wife, Jody, have two children, Michaela (19) and Addison (14).

Mike Ward's Coaching Experience
2016        Toledo – Linebackers
2012-15   Illinois - Inside Linebackers
2009-11   Toledo - Assistant Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
2007-08    Bowling Green - Defensive Coordinator
2000-06   Bowling Green - Defensive Line
1992-99    Bowling Green - Strength and Conditioning Coach
1986-91   Findlay - Defensive Line/Strength and Conditioning
1984-85   Georgetown (KY) - Assistant Coach/Strength and Conditioning Coach

Ross Watson – Safeties

   Ross Watson will be the Rockets' safeties coach. Watson comes to UT from Northern Illinois, where he coached the linebackers in 2015.

   "Ross is a winner. He played at Mount Union, and since his graduation has been a part of winning programs," said Candle. "Everywhere he has coached, he has worked with great coaches and great defenses, and Ross has been an integral part of that."

   A native of Youngstown, OH, Watson played cornerback at Mount Union from 2002-05, where he was a freshman during Jason Candle's senior season with the Purple Raiders. He stayed at his alma mater to begin his coaching career, spending two seasons as a defensive backs coach under legendary head coach Larry Kehres. The Purple Raiders posted a 29-1 record in Watson's two seasons at Mount Union, winning the 2006 Division III national championship and finishing as runner-up in 2007. During a 15-0 season in 2006, the Raider defense allowed just 186 yards per game, posted four shutouts and intercepted 22 passes. In 2007, Mount Union's defense shut out seven opponents, intercepted 17 passes and held opponents to 173.7 total yards per game.

   Watson then went to Nebraska, where he served as a graduate assistant for head coach Bo Pelini from 2008-11, working primarily with the defensive backs. In 2009, the Cornhuskers led the nation in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 10.4 points per game.

   In 2012 and 2013, Watson coached defensive backs at Florida Atlantic. In his final season at FAU, the Owls ranked second in the FBS in passing yards allowed (161.5 yards per game), were third in team passing efficiency defense (97.41) and ranked 11th in total defense. FAU ranked 27th nationally in passing defense in 2012.

   In 2014, Watson reunited with Pelini at Youngstown State, assuming the position of director of football operations in Pelini's first season with the Penguins. Watson then moved on to Northern Illinois in 2015, where he helped lead the Huskies to a share of the MAC West Division title.

   Watson and his wife Sydney have two children, Tripp (2) and Wyatt, who was born in December of 2015.

Ross Watson's Coaching Experience
2016       Toledo – Safeties
2015       Northern Illinois - Linebackers
2014       Youngstown State – Director of Football Operations
2012-13   Florida Atlantic – Defensive Backs
2008-11   Nebraska – Graduate Assistant
2006-07   Mount Union – Defensive Backs

Brad Bichey – Director of Football Strength and Conditioning

   Brad Bichey is Toledo's new director of football strength and conditioning. He joins the Rockets following three seasons as the associate director of strength and conditioning at Arkansas.

   "Brad has learned his craft as a strength and conditioning coach from some great teachers," said Candle. "This will be his first opportunity to lead as the head strength coach, and I know he will bring incredible energy to the challenge. Our guys will certainly benefit from his intensity and his desire to make them stronger and better football players."

   A native of Ambridge, PA, Bichey is a graduate of West Liberty State College, where he completed his bachelor of science degree in exercise physiology in 2008. He also played football and baseball at West Liberty State, earning academic all-conference honors in 2008 in baseball. He then continued his education at Penn State where he completed his master's degree in health education in 2011.

   Bichey worked under the direction of strength coach Mickey Marotti at Florida during an internship in 2008, a year in which the Gators won the national championship. He then worked as a graduate assistant strength coach for football at Penn State under master strength coach John Thomas from January of 2009 through August of 2011, participating in two bowl games. In 2012, Bichey worked as an intern for six months at Ohio State.

   Bichey then moved on to a position with the Cincinnati Bengals as a part-time strength and conditioning coach where he worked with a team that reached the NFL playoffs. He joined the Razorbacks in 2013, working under the mentorship of master strength coach Ben Herbert. At Arkansas, Bichey worked with Mackey Award winner Hunter Henry and was a part of teams that won two bowl games.

   Bichey and fiancee' Shayna Merendo are planning a May 2016 wedding.

Brad Bichey's Experience
2013-15   Arkansas – Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning
2012       Cincinnati Bengals - Assistant Strength Coach
2012       Ohio State - Strength and Conditioning Intern
2011       Robert Morris - Strength and Conditioning Volunteer Coach
2009-11   Penn State - Graduate Assistant Strength Coach
2008       Florida - Strength and Conditioning Intern

Ricky Ciccone – Director of High School Relations

   Ricky Ciccone joins Toledo's staff as its director of high school relations. He previously has worked in a number of collegiate and high school positions in the state of Ohio, most recently as the running backs coach at Ohio Dominican.

   "Ricky is very connected to the state of Ohio from a recruiting standpoint," said Candle. "In today's world, recruiting is the lifeblood of any college football program. Ricky certainly understands that. He's very detail-oriented and will do a great job of making sure we are moving in the right direction as far as our recruiting efforts."

   A native of Coshocton, OH, Ciccone attended the University of Mount Union where he played football from 2001-04. Ciccone was a second-team All-OAC running back as a senior in 2004. He was a member of teams that won Division III national championships in 2001 and 2002.

   Ciccone began his career as a running backs coach at Marietta College in 2006 before moving to the high school ranks, taking assistant's positions at Marietta High School in 2009 and Tri-Valley in 2010.

   In 2011, Ciccone assumed an assistant coaching position at Kenyon College, where he coached the defensive line and served as recruiting coordinator. He moved on to Bluffton, where he was the co-offensive coordinator, wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator from 2012-13. Ciccone coached four all-league receivers and return specialists for the Beavers, who set a school-record for conference wins (5) in 2012.

   Ciccone returned to the high school coaching ranks in 2014 as the tight ends/slot receivers coach and special teams coordinator at Olentangy High School, helping the Braves earn a 10-0 regular-season record and a trip to the Division II state semifinals. He spent the 2015 season at Ohio Dominican, coaching the running backs.

   Ciccone earned his bachelor's degree in history from Mount Union in 2005 and his master's degree in education from Marietta in 2008. He and his wife Tessa make their home in Toledo.

Ricky Ciccone's Football Experience
2016       Toledo – Director of High School Relations
2015       Ohio Dominican – Running Backs
2014       Olentangy (OH) High School – Wide Receivers/Special Teams Coordinator
2012-13   Bluffton – Co-offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers/Special Teams Coordinator
2011       Kenyon College – Defensive Line/Recruiting Coordinator
2010       Tri-Valley (OH) High School – Assistant Coach
2009       Marietta (OH) High School – Assistant Coach
2006       Marietta – Running Backs

Andrew Terwilliger – Director of Football Operations

   Andrew Terwilliger will serve as Toledo's director of football operations. He will coordinate most non-coaching aspects of the Rocket football program, including budget, team travel and team meals. He previously served as the Rockets' director of player personnel this past season. Terwilliger stepped in as Toledo's director of football operations during its trip to the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl this past December.

   "Andrew will transition from recruiting to football operations," said Candle. "He did an awesome job at the bowl game of putting together a plan and making sure we were on task, so we're really excited to have Andrew move into that role."

   Before coming to Toledo, Terwilliger served as the director of operations and recruiting at Ohio Northern from 2013-14, and was an offensive graduate assistant coach at Findlay from 2011-13. At Findlay, Terwilliger worked with the wide receivers, including the school's all-time leading receiver, Lloyd Henry, and current Chicago Bears safety Harold Jones-Quartey.

   Terwilliger played football at Findlay from 2004-05 and Otterbein from 2005-08. He grew up in Powell, OH and attended Olentangy High School, where he lettered in football, basketball and track. At Olentangy, Terwilliger played football for his father, longtime head football coach Ed Terwilliger.

   Terwilliger earned his bachelor's degree in business from Otterbein in 2008, and his master's in education from Findlay in 2013.

Andrew Terwilliger's Football Experience
2016       Toledo – Director of Football Operations
2015       Toledo – Director of Player Personnel
2013-14   Ohio Northern – Director of Operations and Recruiting
2011-12   Findlay – Graduate assistant

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