Feb. 19, 2009
EASTON, Pa. - Lafayette head football coach Frank Tavani has announced several changes to his coaching staff following the departures of Bob Heffner (Northwestern University) and Al Holcomb (N.Y. Giants).
Mickey Fein, who just completed his first season at Lafayette, has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Fein, who served as the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator in 2008, will continue to work with the signal callers while also overseeing the wide receivers. Fein previously served as offensive coordinator at Murray State and Tennessee-Martin.
Matt Hachmann, previously the Leopards' linebackers coach, will take over the offensive line duties and will continue to serve as the program's recruiting coordinator. Hachmann served as the assistant offensive line coach at the University of Oklahoma for the 1997 and 1998 seasons and spent the 1995 and 1996 seasons at Northern Illinois University, also serving as the assistant offensive line coach.
"I have always considered selecting staff as an integral component for success," Tavani said. "Our coaches are enthusiastic about getting started in their new assignments."
Fein and Hachmann will be part of an offensive coaching staff that also includes Phil Hallahan (running backs), who will take over a full-time coaching spot, and Bob Lockhart (tight ends). In 2008, the Leopards' offense was ranked second in the Patriot League in rushing and led the nation in fewest turnovers.
On the defensive side, Joe Dougherty, who previously coached the wideouts, will replace Holcomb as the defensive line coach. Eighth-year defensive coordinator John Loose will make the switch from defensive backs to linebackers.
Lafayette's defense finished the 2008 campaign ranked eighth in the nation in scoring defense (17.5 ppg), 10th in rushing defense (92.2 ypg) and 20th in total defense (303 ypg), while leading the conference in every category. Jon Carvin will remain as the defensive backs coach.
Lafayette has begun its replacement search for a secondary coach.
