Akron Tabs Brookhart New Football Coach
Dec. 15, 2003
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AKRON, Ohio -
J.D. Brookhart, offensive coordinator with the University of Pittsburgh, has been named head football coach at The University of Akron, athletics director Mike Thomas announced Monday.
Brookhart spent the past seven seasons on the Panthers' coaching staff, including the last four as both wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator. During that time he guided one of the most prolific offenses in the Big East Conference and tutored the top-rated passer and receiver in the league this season. QB Rod Rutherford is ranked first in the Big East and No. 11 nationally in passing efficiency, while 2003 Biletnikoff Award winner and Heisman Trophy runner-up Larry Fitzgerald set league and NCAA records for his pass-catching prowess.
"We are thrilled to have J.D. as our new head football coach," said Thomas, who is in his fourth year at Akron. "J.D. brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the game of football. Everyone who we spoke with was extremely high on J.D.'s talents as a coach, evaluator of talent and communicator. We expect great things of our football program in the future and feel he is the person to lead us in that direction."
Brookhart, who is finalizing a five-year contract, will split time between Akron and Pittsburgh until the Panthers play in the Continental Tire Bowl on Dec. 27. The 39-year-old becomes the 25th head coach in school history, and third since its ascending to Division 1-A status in 1987. He replaces Lee Owens, who was reassigned within the University last month after nine seasons on the Zips' sidelines. Owens has since taken the head coaching job at Ashland University, which is located in Ashland, Ohio.
"I'm extremely excited to be the new head coach at Akron and be part of the vision that Mike (Thomas) and the University have for the football team and the entire athletics program," said Brookhart. "Things are moving in the right direction, and I would be like to be part of that success."
Thomas' and Brookhart's vision of the Akron football program is shared by University of Akron leadership.
"We have great expectations for our football team, as we do for all of our programs on campus," said Luis M. Proenza, president of the University. "Our intercollegiate athletic programs are highly visible aspects of the University and, as such, should reflect the exciting improvements that are happening throughout the University. That is especially true of our football program. Today, we have taken a significant step toward advancing our football program toward the next level of competitiveness."
Brookhart has been part of a rebirth of the Pittsburgh program as the Panthers, currently 8-4, are in search of back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time since 1981-82. Pittsburgh is also making its fourth-straight bowl appearance and seeking its third-consecutive post-season victory. The Panthers haven't won three bowl games in a row since 1979-81.
Much of the success of the Pittsburgh resurgence can be attributed to a potent offense and talented receiving corps, led this season by Fitzgerald, who has posted school records for receptions (87) and receiving yards (1,595). The sophomore wideout is the latest in a long line of productive receivers at Pittsburgh, which includes 2000 Biletnikoff Award winner Antonio Bryant and NFL Draft picks Latef Grim (Detroit Lions, 2001), Darcey Levy (Pittsburgh Steelers, 2001) and R.J. English (Atlanta Falcons, 2002).
Brookhart, who starred as a wide receiver at Colorado State (1985-87), started his collegiate coaching career at Pittsburgh in 1997 when he joined Walt Harris' staff as the tight ends coach. After five straight losing seasons, the Panthers finished the 1997 campaign with a 6-6 mark and made their first bowl appearance in eight years. A native of Pueblo, Colo., Brookhart joined Pittsburgh after a two-year coaching stint (1995-96) with the Denver Broncos. His primary responsibilities included working with the defensive scout team, breaking down the opponents' offense and working with the special teams. He also studied the West Coast offense under offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak.
Prior to working under head coach Mike Shanahan with the Broncos, Brookhart was a skilled account executive for six years in Colorado and Utah, including a three-year stint with Xerox Corporation. He simultaneously ran a speed camp for local high school athletes during that time and never lost his passion for football.
"Even when I was in the business world, I never lost my desire to be involved with football," said Brookhart. "I gave up huge financial rewards to coach football, but have never regretted that decision. I look forward to the challenge of this job every day."
A three-year starter for CSU, Brookhart finished his Rams' career in sixth place on the CSU all-time receptions list with 111. He was also tabbed a GTE Academic All-American as a senior in 1987 and signed a free-agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams in 1988.
Brookhart and his wide, Jami, have two sons, Joseph (5) and Jamison (2).
