Marshall University Athletics
Elmassian Joins Herd Football Staff
3/4/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Elmassian Joins Herd Football Staff
3/4/2002
Phil Elmassian |
Marshall University head football coach Bob Pruett announced today that Phil Elmassian has joined the Herd coaching staff.
Elmassian, who most recently served as defensive coordinator at West Virginia University, will coach the Herd?s outside linebackers and safeties, as well as coordinate the defensive kicking game -- kickoffs, punts as well as field goal and PAT block defense..
?Coach Elmassian brings a wealth of coaching experience to our staff,? Pruett said. ?He has been successful every where he has coached.?
Elmassian has been a defensive coach at the Division I-A level for almost 20 years. In addition to his stint as coordinator at WVU (2001), he has also served as coordinator at LSU (2000), Boston College (1996) and Virginia Tech (1993-94).
Elmassian has also made coaching stops at Wisconsin (1997-99), Washington (1995), Syracuse (1991-92), Virginia (1987-90), Minnesota (1984) ad East Carolina (1983) in addition to a earlier stop at Virginia Tech (1985-86). During his coaching career he has primarily worked with defensive backs and linebackers.
Last year Elmassian?s WVU defense led the nation in pass defense, allowing just 136.7 yards per game.
During his coaching career Elmassian has coached 17 All-Conference performers, including two All-Americans. LSU?s Jamar Fletcher won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2000 as the nation?s top defensive back.
Elmassian is a native of Cambridge, Mass., and a 1974 graduate of William & Mary, where he played defensive back for Lou Holtz.
With the addition of Elmassian, the Herd defensive staff will shape up this way: Defensive Coordinator/Line -- Bill Wilt, Inside Linebackers -- Mark Gale, Secondary -- Lou Anarumo, OLB/Safeties -- Elmassian. Tight Ends coach Bill Legg will coordinate the Herd?s offensive kicking game -- returns, PATs and field goals.
In addition to Elmassian, Pruett also announced the hiring of two former Marshall players to serve as football graduate assistants for the 2002 season. Former Herd quarterback Stephen Galbraith will work with the offensive staff while former Herd linebacker and running back Trod Buggs will work with the defensive staff.
Marshall is scheduled to open spring football practice next Monday, March 11. Spring drills will continue through the annual Green-White Spring Game, which is slated for April 13.
