Bryant University Men's Football

RECRUITING AREAS: Florida (Dade County, Broward, Sarasota, Manatee), Rhode Island Chris Merritt was named the fourth head coach in Bryant Football history on Dec. 20, 2018 and will be entering his seventh season in 2025.  Coaching Accolades Has posted a 28-45 record in seven seasons at Bryant ... Record includes three seasons in the NEC, two seasons in the Big South/OVC and two in the CAA. Named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (FCS Coach of the Year) Award in 2021. Has coached four players that have gone on to play professional football, including two in the NFL. Has coached 44 all-conference selections, four All-Americans, one Big South/OVC Offensive Player of the Year, one Big South Special Teams Player of the Year, one NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year and one NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year. Produced three All-Americans in 2022, the most in a single season in Bryant program history. Led the Bulldogs to the first win over an FBS team in program history when Bryant defeated UMass 27-26. Helped the Black and Gold win their first CAA game as a member of the conference with a 27-24 victory at UAlbany. His offense has averaged 300+ yards in five consecutive seasons. In seven seasons, coach Merritt has produced a 28-45 record. This season, he helped the Bulldogs pick up their first-ever win over an FBS program with the defeat of UMass, and he also led the Black and Gold to their first CAA win as a member of the conference against UAlbany. He added five more All-Conference players this year, bringing his total as head coach to 44 in seven seasons. He added transfer Elijah Elliott this season who was the work horse for the Bulldogs, producing 1,185 all-purpose yards, 12 rushing touchdowns and 14 total, whichis tied for 4th all-time in DI program history. In six seasons, Merritt has accumulated a 25-36 record and helped bring the Bulldogs into the CAA, which is his fourth conference in as many years, while producing 39 All-Conference selections, four All-Americans, one Big South/OVC Offensive Player of the Year, one Big South Special Teams Player of the Year, one NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year and one NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year. Bryant’s defense has seen a resurgence in Merritt’s six seasons, ranking first nationally in total defense, fourth nationally in scoring defense and second in passing defense in the spring of 2021, while finishing in the top 30 of scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense in the fall of 2021. Bryant has also set records offensively, breaking the school record for total offense in 2022 and posting over 30 points per game three of the last four seasons. In 2024, he led one of the nations top receivers in Landon Ruggieri to have one of the best seasons in school history. Ruggieri led the country in receiving TDs with 15 and became the second receiver in program history to have a 1,00-yard season. Ruggieri would earn STATS FCS and AP All-America Honors in Bryant's first season in the CAA.  In his fifth season (2023), Merritt lead the Bulldogs to a 6-5 overall record and a Big South-OVC record of 4-2. Merritt helped the Black and Gold earn a Big South-OVC award, ten All-Conference members, three on the first team, six on the second team, and one named to the All-Academic team. The Bulldogs were top of the conference in passing yards, and tallied 383.8 ypg of total offense, recording 350+ yards of total offense for a thrid consecutive season, the first time in DI program history. The 2022 season saw the Bulldogs finish with a 4-7 record overall and a 2-3 mark in their first year in the Big South. Merritt guided three players to All-America honors as Anthony Frederick (Big South Special Teams Player of the Year), Ethan Gettman (Fred Mitchell Award winner) and Joe Andreessen (7th in Buck Buchanan Award voting) all earned recognition from STATS Perform. It marked the first time in program history that Bryant had three All-America players in the same season.  Bryant enjoyed one of its best seasons at the DI level in the fall of 2021, going 7-4 overall and 5-2 in the NEC. The seven wins marked the most since 2015, while the five NEC wins tied the most in program history. The 2021 season also saw the Black and Gold play its first-ever game against a member of the FBS, falling 35-14 at Akron. For his efforts, Merritt was named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, given annually to the top coach in the FCS. Several Bulldogs shined in Merritt’s system in 2021, with nine players earning All-NEC recognition. Freshman Zevi Eckhaus led the way, finishing fourth in the Jerry Rice Award voting and earning NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after throwing for 2,392 yards and 21 touchdowns. Eckhaus was the straw that stirred the drink for one of the league’s most potent offenses. The Bulldogs scored 30.0 ppg to lead the NEC. Fabrice Mukendi, another rookie, set Bryant freshman records for rushing yards (652) and touchdowns (nine). Defensively, Bryant placed three players on the All-NEC First Team; Jack Daly, Ryan Saddler and Joe Andreessen.  Merritt and his staff led the Bulldogs to a 2-2 record during a pandemic-shortened spring 2021 season. Bryant won two of its first three games to set up a showdown with Duquesne for a spot in the NEC Championship. Bryant finished the year ranked in the top 10 nationally in total defense, scoring defense, passing defense, third-down defense and first downs allowed. Chidi Nna was named the NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year and four others earned All-NEC honors.  The 2019 season was Merritt's first as the head coach of the Bulldogs. Merritt guided the Black and Gold to a second-half surge in his first year, winning four of his final seven games to finish the year at 4-8 overall. Bryant featured four All-NEC selections in his first season and produced some of the best defensive numbers in DI program history. Bryant allowed 23.4 points per game in NEC play, its lowest since 2015 and its third lowest in 11 years in the league. The Bulldogs also excelled in the redzone, finishing first in the NEC at 87 percent (20-for-23).  Merritt comes to Smithfield after spending 18 years as the head coach at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida. He posted an overall record 172-45 (.792), leading the Explorers to two state finals appearances (2014, 2018), five Regional Championships, 14 District Championships and an 80-4 record in district competition in the largest high school classification in the state of Florida. In addition, Merritt's program has produced over 100 collegiate football players in 18 seasons, including current Bryant offensive linemen Kyle Mann and Robert Perez and 2016 alum Brandon Dagnesses.   "We are very excited to welcome Chris Merritt to Bryant as our next head football coach," Smith said. "Chris is a proven winner that has developed Christopher Columbus into one of the top football programs in the state of Florida. He has won 14 district championships in 18 years, while also developing over 100 student-athletes that have gone on to play college football. His intensity and commitment to student-athlete development are the perfect fit for our Bulldog program." "As we celebrate our 20th season of Bryant football, we are thrilled to have such a successful coach start the next phase of our football program," Machtley said. "Chris has a vast track record of ensuring that he recruits scholar-athletes who can both compete in the classroom and on the field at the highest level.  His values and experience are a great fit to ensure that we maintain our momentum of a growing national reputation." Throughout his career at Columbus, Merritt received several recognitions for his accomplishments on the field. He was inducted into the Columbus High School Hall of Fame in 2018, named the Nike Coach of the Year in 2005, the Miami Herald Coach of the Year in 2014 and the Warren Henry South Coach of the Year in 2017. During his time at Columbus, Merritt also worked heavily with USA Football, serving as the head coach of the Junior National Team in 2010 and as the defensive and offensive coordinator in 2011 and 2012, respectively. He also served as the defensive backs coach on the gold-medal winning U.S. U-19 National Team at the IFAF World Championships in 2009. "First, I want to say how honored and humbled I am to be named the head football coach at Bryant University," Merritt said. "I want to say thank you to President Machtley and Athletic Director Bill Smith for the opportunity to lead the football program at a first-class academic and athletic institution. I'd also like to thank Columbus High School, specifically Br. Kevin Handibode and Dave Pugh for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the Marist Columbus Community for the past 18 seasons. "I'm extremely excited to hit the road recruiting and to begin work with these young men to develop a culture of success. It is my number one goal at Bryant University for every young man in our program to Expect to Win!" Merritt also served as the head coach of the Hamburg Blue Devils in the German Football League. He guided the Blue Devils to a 48-9-1 record (.836), a pair of European Championships, a national championship and three-straight Charity Bowl Championships. Merritt is the franchises all-time leaders in wins and winning percentage. Bryant will be Merritt's third collegiate coaching stop. He served as the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach at Thiel College prior to his time at Columbus and spent one year as an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois University in 1993. Merritt was a four-year letterwinner as a free safety and special teams captain at Indiana University from 1988-92. He began his career as a walk-on before earning a full scholarship and competing in three bowl games. Merritt is married to Minnie and together they have five children, Megan Merritt, Ryan Merritt, Shannon Merritt, Allison Catala, and Robert Catala.

Sielawa begins his fourth season with the Bulldogs in 2016. Sielawa will serve as the tight ends coach. In three seasons, Sielawa has helped John Lavin emerge as one of the top tight ends in the NEC. In 2015, the Bulldogs featured two fifth-year senior tight ends and under Sielawa's watch, they helped the Black and Gold produce one of the top offenses in the league. The duo of John Lavin and Ryan Barrett combined for 33 catches and six touchdowns on the year. Lavin went on to earn First Team All-NEC honors and was invited to the Kansas City rookie mini-camp following the season.  In 2014, Lavin enjoyed a breakout year, catching 15 passes for 198 yards and five touchdowns.  In 2013, Lavin finished fifth on the team with 10 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown.  Sielawa comes to Smithfield after serving three seasons as the offensive line coach and the Director of Football Operations at Assumption College in Worcester, Mass. At Assumption, Sielawa was involved with film evaluation, the creation of weekly scouting reports and recruiting. Under his tutelage, four players earned postseason recognition. Matt Sidebottom was named the NE-10 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2010 and also earned first team all-conference honors. Dan Duggan earned second team honors in 2010 and first team honors in 2011. Matt Boruchowski and Blake Nold were both First Team All-Worcester Area selections in 2010 and 2012, respectively. In his duties as the director of ops, Sielawa was in charge of scheduling all travel, team meals, official recruiting weekends, academic meetings and the football budget. Sielawa also enjoyed a standout career at Nichols from 2006-09. He was a four-year letterwinner at both tight end and on the offensive line for the Bison. A native of Dudley, Mass., Sielawa earned his bachelors degree in sport management from Nichols College in 2010. He is currently on track to earn his masters from Nichols in organizational leadership this winter.

Fresilli will begin his first year as the Graduate Assistant and Offensive Line coach in the 2025 season. Before joining the Bulldogs, Fresilli was the D-line coach at Salve Regina for a season. There, he worked closely with the D-line and focused on recruiting in New York. In 2024, Fresilli was the Running Backs, Linebackers, and Strength and Conditioning coach at South Kingstown High School, where he helped the team to a 9-2 record and a DII State Championship. The RBs averaged 5.9 YPC and 200 yards on the ground per game. He had four players earn First-Team All-League Selections. As a player, Fresilli spent four years on the offensive line at URI. In 2021, he was part of the O-Line that helped the Rams rush for 2,300 yards. During his time (2019-2023) URI had three consecutive winning seasons.  

Bio RECRUITING AREAS: Pennsylvania (East of Harrisburg), Northern New Jersey Anthony Barese begins his fifth season as the defensive coordinator in the fall of 2025. The fall of 2025 will mark his fourth year as assistant head coach. In 2025, Barese helped Michael Otty earn All-CAA first team honors and produced a CAA-leading 17 tackles for loss, bringing his career total to 38.5, which ranks fifth in DI program history. Brandon Perkins joined Otty, earning end-of-season honors and being named to the All-CAA Third Team. Perkins was named the Co-CAA Defensive Player of the Week and FCS National Defensive Player of the Week after his career-high 14 tackles in the win at UMass. Lonnie Rice was a CAA Honorable Mention after producing a career-high 92 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks this season. In 2024, he led the defense to 11 turnovers and 19.5 sacks. He also coached Michael Otty to his second consecutive end-of-season honor being named to the Second-Team All-CAA. In 2023, Barese helped the defense cause 24 turnovers, which ranked second in the conference and 10th in the nation. It was also the highest total in DI program history. He also helped Kenny Dyson Jr., Lake Ellis, and Michael Otty be named to the All-Conference teams. Dyson made the first team, and Otty and Ellis earned second team. The defense had 11 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries. One of the best defensive minds in New England, Barese guided one of the nation's best defenses in his first season in Smithfield in the spring of 2021. Bryant finished the year ranked first nationally in total defense (220.8), second in passing defense (109.5) and fourth in scoring defense (14.5). The Bulldogs were one of the best teams in the country on third downs (.292) and limited opponents to just 51 first downs on the year (10th nationally). Chid Nna was named the the NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year, while Jack Daly and Andre Brackett also earned All-NEC honors as part of Barese's defense.  Bryant's defense continued to excel in the fall of 2021, finishing the season ranked in the top 30 in scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense. Barese's defense was led by All-NEC First Team selections Jack Daly, Ryan Saddler and Joe Andreessen. Daly was the key cog in Bryant's front four, while Saddler and Andreessen combined to make 171.0 tackles. Bryant finished 13th nationally in third down defense, holding teams to just 31.1 percent on the year. Barese's defense also featured six players that earned All-NEC honors from Phil Steele, including first teamers Andreessen, Saddler and Dyson Jr. In 2022, Barese's defense featured two of the best linebackers in program history as Andreessen and Saddler both earned All-Big South honors. Andreessen would enjoy one of the best seasons in program history, collecting a a single-season program record 116.0 tackles. He was named First Team All-Big South and a Second Team STATS FCS and AP All-American. Barese came to Smithfield after spending the last two seasons as the secondary coach at FCS member Holy Cross. He helped the Crusaders win the 2019 Patriot League Championship with a 5-1 league record. Barese worked with a defense that allowed just 24 points per game and intercepted 15 passes. He coached two All-Patriot League players in 2019. Prior to his time at Holy Cross, Barese spent 10 seasons on the coaching staff at Assumption College (2008-17). He served as the Greyhounds defensive coordinator from 2014-17, helping the team to an overall record of 38-11 and three trips to the NCAA playoffs during that time. Barese's defense ranked first in the nation in interceptions and fifth in sacks in 2017. The Greyhounds tied their program record with 11 victories and advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the first time in school history. In 2016, he led a defense that ranked second in the nation in pass efficiency defense, fourth in passing yards allowed and 11th in total yards allowed. Barese coached 18 All-Northeast-10 selections during his four seasons as the defensive coordinator.   Barese also served as Assumption's linebackers coach from 2008-13, with seven linebackers earning All-Northeast-10 honors during that time. He also served as the team's recruiting coordinator from 2011-17. Prior to his time at Assumption, he served as an assistant coach at St. Anselm College for two years, acting as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2007 and the defensive line coach in 2006. Barese is a 2005 graduate of St. Anselm with a bachelor's degree in English. He played linebacker for the Hawks during his time as an undergraduate, serving as team captain during his senior year. Barese has a wife, Brittni and a daughter Giuliana.

RECRUITING AREAS: Southern New Jersey, Texas Ben McKaig begins his second season as the offensive coordinator and first as offensive line coach in 2025. McKaig joined coach Merritt's staff in June of 2019. McKaig has served several roles during his time at Bryant, including passing game coordinator, running backs coach and wide receivers coach. He also serves as Bryant's pro liasion. In 2025, he worked with the offense and was also the offensive line coach for the first time. He helped Elijah Elliott (second team) and Jon Fagley (third team) earn All-CAA honors. Elliott recorded 1,185 total yards and 14 total touchdowns in the backfield. His mark of 12 rushing touchdowns is the the third most in Di program history. The offense produced 325 yards per game of total offense, the fifth consecutive season of 300+. In 2024, he helped Bryants offense produced 369 yards per game, the fifth consecutive season of 300+ yards. He helped Landon Ruggieri earn All-CAA First-Team and All-New England Team honors. Ruggieri recorded 69 receptions, 1,096 yards, and 15 touchdowns. He led the country in receving TDs, which was tied for the most in DI program history. His mark of 69 receptions was the most in Di program history and was only the second player ti ever tally 1,000+ yards in a season.  In 2023, he helped the Bulldogs have the best passing offense (267.9 ypg) in the Big South-OVC and the 16th-ranked in the country. Matthew Prochaska and Anthony Frederick were both named to the Second Team this season. Prochaska had a career-high 801 yards, 44 rec, and four TDs. He had three games of 100+ yards. Frederick became the second WR in DI program history to record 2,000 yards and 20 TDs in his career. WRs had 15 of the 26 passing TDs this season. McKaig's first season with the wide receivers was a historic one as Landon Ruggieri and Anthony Frederick combined for 1,640 receiving yards, the most by a duo in Bryant program history. Ruggieri would earn First Team All-Big South and All-New England honors, finishing with a single-season program record 65 catches for 986 yards and six touchdowns. Frederick finished with career highs in receptions and yards, while also earning All-America honors as a return specialist. Bryant's backfield enjoyed a great deal of success under McKaig's watchful eyes in the fall of 2021. The Bulldogs averaged nearly 160 yards per game on the ground and helped the Black and Gold lead the NEC with 30.0 ppg. The running back group featured a two-headed monster in senior Dan Adeboboye and freshman Fabrice Mukendi. Mukendi set Bryant freshman records for rushing yards (652) and rushing TDs (9), while Adeboboye wrapped up a historic career with 509 rushing yards and six TDs. Adeboboye would go on to become the first Bulldog ever drafted in the CFL Draft, taken in the second round, 15th overall, by the Toronto Argonauts. Mukendi also picked up All-NEC honors from Phil Steele.  McKaig's first season with the running backs was a success in the spring of 2021. Bryant averaged 179 yards per game on the ground, with four players averaging 4.0+ yards per carry. Daniel Adeboboye enjoyed his best season in 2021, earning All-NEC First Team honors after rushing for 111.3 yards and two touchdowns. He ranked seventh nationally in rushing, becoming the first Bulldog since 2015 to average 100+ yards per game.  He comes to Bryant after a brief stint as an Offensive Assistant at Fordham University during spring football. Prior to Fordham, McKaig served as the Offensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Division II member Northwestern Oklahoma State University for four seasons. In his time as offensive line coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State, McKaig's offensive line saw major improvement. They had a big year in 2017 specifically, as they were vital in the Ranger offense's rushing attack which ranked 17th nationally in yards per game. He also served as recruiting coordinator, camp coordinator, and academic coordinator for the program.   Prior to Northwestern, McKaig spent the previous two years at Utica College in Utica, N.Y. where he was a graduate assistant as well as the Defensive Line Coach. McKaig helped the Pioneers reach heights the school had not reached previously as they were 7-4 in 2014 as well as making their first-ever postseason appearance. He also served as the Academic Coordinator for the program. Before going to Utica, McKaig was a Math teacher and Assistant Football Coach at Andover High School in Andover, Kan. from 2012-13. He was both the offensive line and defensive line coach while at Andover. The Trojans went 8-3 in 2012 and made it to the second round of the State Playoffs. McKaig graduated from Emporia State, where he was a four-year starter for the Hornets offensive line at tackle and guard. He earned All-MIAA honors as well in 2010. He received his Bachelor's in Education from Emporia State in 2012 and received his Master's in Education from Utica College in 2015. McKaig and his wife Danielle have two kids, Ben and Delaney.

Kulzer enters his third season as the Bulldogs' defensive line coach in the Fall of 2025. Kulzer led Michael Otty to All-CAA first team honors and a CAA-leading 17.5 tackles for loss.The Bulldogs produced 17.5 sacks Otty (5), Gideon Bedada (3.5), Maximus Villar (3), Yoby Brown Jr. (2), Nathan Laplant (1.5), Dixon Hudson (1), and Hollis Dirstine (1).  He helped Michael Otty earn second-team All-CAA honors and Ben Silver and Nathan Voorhis to both tally five sacks on the season in 2024. Kulzer helped Kenny Dyson rearn Big South-OVC first-team honors, and Michael Otty made the second team. The Bulldogs averaged 2.35 sacks per game, which ranked fifth in the conference and 30th in the country. The Defensive Line accounted for 21 of the 26 sacks this season. Prior to joining the Bulldogs, Kulzer served as the head coach at American International College in 2022. He was named the interim head coach the year prior. At AIC, he had six players earn NE10 All-Conference honors, with three First Team players on defense. That included the 2022 NE-10 Rookie of the Year in Dahvey Hicks. Kulzer had previously served as Assistant Head Coach since 2015 and had been part of the team as a student-athlete, graduate assistant, and assistant coach prior to that. As an assistant coach, Kulzer coached 14 NE-10 selections at linebacker, including the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year, Jaqwaune Simpkins, and an all-league safety. Kulzer also recruited Defensive Linemen of the Year Danny Omoregie and Isiah Tolbert.  Kulzer graduated from American International in 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management and played two seasons for AIC. He returned from 2008-2010 as a Graduate Assistant Coach in charge of the linebackers and punt return team. He completed his Master's in Human Resource Development in 2010. While working as a graduate assistant, the team had the nation's seventh-best total defense in 2008, reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time and winning the Northeast-10 Championship. Kulzer briefly left AIC for Hudson Valley Community College in the 2010 season, where he became Defensive Coordinator, Director of Operations, and the team's recruiting coordinator before returning to the College in 2011 as an Assistant Coach. In 2013, the team had the nation's top red zone defense and made its second NCAA Tournament appearance, as well as taking its second Northeast-10 crown. AIC would also go on to win the 2014 NE-10 Regular-Season title. Kulzer and his wife Cecilia have two kids, Karter and Beau.

Calvin Pearce began his first season as the Defensive Backs Coach for the Bulldogs in 2025. In 2025, DBs tallied ten interceptions, including a pick-six by Liam Lindo against Campbell. Three DBs (Azarel Juste, Olatunde Mkparu, and Lindo) all had two interceptions this season. 

Bio In 2025, he helped the corners produce nine interceptions, with Azarel Juste, Olatunde Mkparu, and Liam Lindo recording two each. Lindo also had a pick-six at Campbell. Lindo, Juste, and Mkparu each had five-plus pass breakups. In his second season with the corners, he worked with Olatunde Mkparu, who played the most snaps on defense, hauled in an interception, and had a career-high four pass breakups. He also worked closely with Colin Elliot, who produced two picks and a game-winning stop against Brown. In 2023, Jones helped Lake Ellis earn Big South-OVC second-team All-Conference honors. Nine of the eleven interceptions this season were by the secondary. Prior to joining the Bulldogs, Jones spent two seasons at Bloomsburh University During the 2022 season, Jones guided a pair of defensive backs to All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East honors as graduate student Chris Monaco earned his first career all-conference nod as a First Team defensive back. Quentin Gaskill earned his season-career accolade with a spot as a second-team d-back. The pair ranked in the top-25 nationally for passes defended as Gaskill was 13th with 1.4 passes defended (pass breakups and interceptions) per game, and Monaco was 25th with 1.3. Gaskill finished the year ranked third in the country in solo tackles, averaging 6.8 per game, and 25th in total tackles with 9.2. Monaco also earned the D2 Conference Commissioner’s Association (D2CCA) All-Super Region 1 honor. Jones’ special team unit ranked 27th in the country with five blocked kicks, 28th with two blocked punts, and returned two blocked punts for a touchdown. Brendan McGonigle was ranked 14th in the country for his 80% field goal percentage, and Kevin Carrigan finished the year averaging 38.2 yards per punt. In 2021, he led a defensive unit that ranked first in the PSAC and 19th nationally with 15 interceptions. His defensive backs accounted for six of the Huskies’ 12 fumble recoveries, led by Gaskill, who had a team-best three recoveries and three forced fumbles. Bloomsburg led the PSAC and was 11th in the country in fumble recoveries. Jones served as the defensive coordinator at Kalamazoo College from April 2018 until July 2021. Jones elevated the Hornets’ defense which averaged 35.1 points per game and gave up 459.7 yards per game the season before his arrival, to a new standard of excellence with a scoring defense (22.5) and total defense (335.2) over the last two seasons. Jones helped the Hornets’ to their first shutout in 21 years against Oberlin on September 7, 2019, and posted a second shutout later in the season against Finlandia on October 12.   Under his guidance, 11 players earned All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) honors, including five first-teamers. Jones’ defensive unit had 56 sacks over his two seasons and finished in the top 30 in DIII in red zone defense at 60% on all scores. His secondary allowed 163.5 yards in the air per game over his two seasons. Jones helped lead one of the most significant turnarounds in all of college football from a 1-9 record in 2017 to a 7-3 record in 2018, with the best start to a season since 1962 and the second highest win total in school history. Prior to his time with Kalamazoo Jones spent five years at Mercyhurst (2013-2018) He served as secondary coach and special teams for the Lakers. His secondary hauled in 57 interceptions throughout five seasons and set a school record with seven interceptions in one game. Six Mercyhurst defensive backs earned all-conference honors during his time with the program, including 2014 All-American Colin Kimball. He intercepted 13 passes over two seasons and set the school career mark with 15. Jones’ punt return unit blocked 11 punts and scored five touchdowns over the past four seasons. The 2016 unit finished second in the country with five blocked punts while scoring three touchdowns. Jones is a 2010 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in psychology and African studies. Following graduation, he served a year as an academic graduate assistant for the Pitt football team while also breaking down film and producing scouting reports.

Greg Hardin joins the Bryant Football staff in 2025 as the Wide Receivers coach.  In his first year as Wide Receivers coach, he helped Zyheem Collick have a career year, leading the team with 670 yards and four touchdowns. Tristen Riley also had a career year with 483 yards, and Aldirch doe was not far behind with 467 yards. The WRs combined for eight TDs, 1,546 yards, and 118 receptions. In 2024, Hardin was the WR coach at Truman State. He helped coach Jackson Overton, who hauled in 40 rec for 645 yards and ten touchdowns, In 2023 at WIU, the Leathernecks threw for over 2000 yards and completed 61% of their pass attempts. Three receivers caught over 20 passes, with Jay Parker leading the way with 60 receptions and 475 yards. He was also the recruiting coordinator at Western Illinois.   In three seasons at Robert Morris, Hardin helped the Colonials post their first winning season in almost 10 years in 2019 with an overall record of 7-5 (.583), including a mark of 6-1 (.857) in the Northeast Conference (NEC).   Hardin started his coaching career in 2015 and 2016 at Millersville (Pa.).   He is a native of Bellevue, Neb., earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in marketing from the University of North Dakota in 2014. While a student-athlete with the Fighting Sioux, Hardin concluded his career as the program’s all-time leading receiver, establishing records for receptions (216) and receiving yards (3,583). He also hauled in 31 career touchdown catches, which ranks second in the UND record book.   As a senior in 2013 at North Dakota, Hardin established a single-season school record with 2,017 all-purpose yards. He concluded the year with 67 receptions for 1,153 yards and five touchdowns and also returned 36 kickoff returns for 854 yards and two scores. A two-time All-Big Sky First Team honoree (2012, 2013), Hardin also was named an All-American by both The Sports Network and the Associated Press in 2013. As a junior in 2012, Hardin was named the College Football Performance Awards FCS Elite Wide Receiver of the Year after finishing with 65 receptions for 1,145 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was garnered All-America honors the same year from The Sports Network. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, Hardin signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL) in 2014. He spent the 2015 campaign with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).