Feb. 3, 2000
EASTON, PA - The Lafayette College football program has named
John Loose its new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach
following an extensive three-week search. Loose served as the
linebackers coach at NCAA Division I-A Army for the past eight
seasons.
The hiring of Loose completes new Head Coach Frank Tavani's
full-time staff with both coordinators coming from Division I-A
programs. Former Bowling Green offensive coordinator Mike Faragalli
was named the Leopards' offensive coordinator on Jan. 13.
After arriving at West Point in 1992, Loose spent two seasons
assisting with Army's defensive secondary and linebacker positions.
During the 1994 and 1995 campaigns, he served as head junior
varsity coach while also mentoring the varsity outside linebackers.
With his guidance, Army ranked sixth in the nation in rushing defense
during a 10-2 season in 1996.
"John Loose completes Lafayette's football coaching staff in a big
way, bringing a wealth of quality and Division I-A experience," said
Lafayette Director of Athletics Dr. Eve Atkinson. "I am very excited
about the new football staff that is now in place, and I believe John's
abilities as a defensive leader and avid recruiter will shine at
Lafayette."
"I am really excited to add another former Division I-A coach who will
lead our defense," said Frank Tavani, who was named Lafayette's
head football coach on Dec. 11, 1999. "John was integrally involved in
the entire development and employment of Army's defensive package.
He has a real strong background and is extremely innovative, but
most important, he is a tremendous national recruiter. He is coming
from an outstanding program at Army, and has served under an
extremely well-respected head coach in Bob Sutton."
Current Lafayette assistant coaches Mike Joseph and Mark
Reardon have been given additional duties. Joseph has been
elevated to special teams coordinator and will coach the running
backs, while Reardon has been elevated to recruiting coordinator and
will coach the defensive backs. Also remaining on the Leopards'
football coaching staff are offensive line coach John Strollo and
defensive line coach Chris Taylor, who will also serve as the head
junior varsity coach and serve as the Leopards' liaison with the
College's Academic Resource Center. In addition to part-time strength
and conditioning coach Gary Talijan, two part-time coaches will be
named at a later date.
Before signing on with Bob Sutton's staff at Army, Loose spent three
seasons at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy as an assistant, serving
as both defensive coordinator and defensive secondary coach under
head coach Tom Bell.
"I am extremely excited to be here," said Loose. "I am very familiar
with the quality of academics and athletics at Lafayette College.
What has really impressed me about Lafayette is Coach Tavani's
abilities as a recruiter, administrator, and a leader. This is a great
staff, and I am excited to be a part of it."
"Lafayette is getting a very talented, energetic, and experienced
coach," said former Army Head Coach Bob Sutton. "He got a lot of
experience at Army, and he did an excellent job. He is an outstanding
recruiter. In fact, he recruited the best areas of the country for us."
Following a stellar prep football career at Watkins Glen High School,
Loose opted to concentrate on his track abilities and forged a
standout collegiate career at Ithaca College. A five-time NCAA
qualifier and All-America choice, Loose specialized in the high jump
and remains the school record-holder with a leap of 6-10 1/4. He
earned four letters each indoors and outdoors prior to graduating in
1987 with a bachelor of science degree in Physical Education, while
minoring in Psychology.
In addition to his busy athletic slate at Ithaca, Loose found time to
assist with several local high school squads, serving on the staff at
Corning West High School in 1986 after two years at his alma mater,
Watkins Glen High.
The Watkins Glen, NY, native began his coaching career at SUNY
Albany in 1987, coaching the Great Danes' defensive backs for two
seasons before departing for the Coast Guard Academy in 1989.
While at SUNY Albany, Loose earned his master of science degree in
curriculum planning and development.
Loose and his wife, Marianne, are the proud parents of two daughters
-- Lauren, 3, and Grace, three months.
1999 Game & Season Statistics
