Ben Albert Named Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach

Steve Addazio's staff took another step in the right direction today, as BC announced that former Temple outside linebacker coach Ben Albert will be taking over as defensive line coach and Assistant Head Coach. This move was widely rumored on the internet for weeks, but was finally reported today, possibly due to contractual language either at Temple or BC. That means outgoing DL coach Jeff Commissiong will be looking for work.

BCEagles.com describes Albert's pedigree:

Albert, who brings 17 years of coaching experience to the Heights, joins the Eagles after spending the previous two seasons as the outside linebackers coach at Temple under Addazio. Prior to his stint with the Owls, Albert worked as an assistant defensive line coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010 and served as associate head coach and linebackers coach at Delaware from 2006-09. Albert has also spent time working with the defensive line and linebackers at Richmond (2004, 1997-2000), Massachusetts (2003, 1995-96), and Rutgers (2001-02) under current Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano.

Albert also has been a strong recruiter during his days at Temple and UMass. The press release lists that he helped recruit NFL wide receiver Victor Cruz and produced Big East Defensive Rookie Of The Year Tyler Matakevitch.

Though it's not mentioned in the press release it's important to note that Albert is the first African American coach on the staff. Having diversity on staff is very important to recruiting because it will help prevent negative recruiting by other schools that would point to the lack of diversity as a reason not to go to the school.

Welcome to the Heights Ben, now get out there and fix our defensive line!