Jan. 13, 2017

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EASTON, Pa. -- Former NFL quarterback Rich Bartel will be the Leopards' new offensive coordinator under head coach John Garrett. Bartel, who played with five NFL teams over six seasons, worked the last two football campaigns as the offensive coordinator and quarterback specialist at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

During his tenure at IMG, the program posted a 21-0 record, traveling more than 10,000 miles while playing one of the nation's toughest schedules. Bartel coached and mentored high school All-American dual-threat quarterbacks Shea Patterson (Univ. of Mississippi) and Kellen Mond (Texas A&M).

"I'm excited to bring on Rich Bartel as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. To add a coach with significant NFL experience is a huge advantage at the FCS level," said Garrett, the Fred M. Kirby II '42 Head Football Coach Lafayette head football coach. "Rich was a player for the Cowboys when I was coaching the tight ends in Dallas and I noticed his passion for the game and how hard he prepared, which left a great impression of him as a potential coach. This is a unique opportunity for our quarterbacks to be coached by someone who has played at the highest level of football."

Before arriving at IMG, he spent time as the head coach at Southwest Christian School in Fort Worth, Texas and the quarterbacks coach for two seasons at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas. At Prestonwood, Bartel's QB Ryan Cash led all Texas high school quarterbacks with 4,888 yards passing and 47 TDs and was the State's Player of the Year after leading his team to the State Championship game with a 10-4 record. Bartel also worked as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas for one season.

Bartel's coaching exploits began in 2013 at the culmination of his NFL playing career. Bartel spent time with the Dallas Cowboys (2007), Cleveland Browns (2008-09), Jacksonville Jaguars (2009), Washington Redskins (2009-10) and Arizona Cardinals (2010-12).

A native of Grapevine, Texas, Bartel matriculated at Southern Methodist University before transferring to Division II Tarleton State University. He graduated from the school in in Stephenville, Texas in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications in 2007. Bartel also played in the Cincinnati Reds organization from 2001-04 after being drafted as a pitcher in the 14th round of the 2001 Major League Baseball draft.

Bartel is married to his wife, Alecia, and the couple has three daughters: Remy, Kody and Andy.