Feb. 5, 2008
More Coverage: Lafayette News Stand
EASTON, Pa. - Former offensive coordinator Mike Faragalli has accepted a position as the offensive coordinator at the University of Richmond. Faragalli, head coach Frank Tavani's first hire after taking over the program in 1999, spent eight seasons at Lafayette College as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He helped guide the Leopards to three straight Patriot League championships and NCAA FCS Playoff appearances from 2004-06.
"We are disappointed about Mike's departure but wish him the very best at his new position," Tavani said..
In the last four seasons, Faragalli's offenses have helped propel Lafayette to a 29-18 overall mark and a 19-5 conference clip, including four straight victories over archrival Lehigh. During his time on College Hill, Faragalli coached offenses that featured the No. 2 and No. 3 all-time leading rushers at Lafayette (Joe McCourt `05 and Jonathan Hurt `06) and the program's all-time leading passer (Marko Glavic `04) and receiver (John Weyrauch `04).
He helped implement a passing attack that ranked either first or second in the Patriot League in five of his first six seasons as offensive coordinator. Four of his student-athletes earned major Patriot League postseason awards, as tailback Hurt closed out his career by being named the 2006 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year. McCourt achieved the same honor in 2004 after being named Rookie of the Year in 2001. Phil Yarberough `01 was named the 2000 Offensive Player of the Year and quarterback Glavic earned 2000 Rookie of the Year honors.
Glavic and Weyrauch, along with McCourt and quarterback Brad Maurer `07, flourished in Faragalli's system, rewriting the record books over their four-year careers. Glavic finished his career as both the Patriot League and Lafayette all-time leader in total offense and passing yards, while Weyrauch set new standards for receptions in a game and career and receiving yards in a career. Maurer won three Patriot League championships and graduated in 2006 as the all-time leader in passing efficiency. McCourt finished as the school and Patriot League record holder with 50 rushing touchdowns, was second with 4,474 rushing yards and fourth in career receptions.
Associate head coach Bob Heffner will assume the position of offensive coordinator in addition to his duties coaching the offensive line.
"Bob has been intricately involved in our play-calling throughout his time here and we expect that there won't be any change in the offense next season," Tavani said.
While Heffner will be in charge of the running game, a national search has begun to find a replacement quarterbacks coach to coordinate the passing game.
