Interim head football coach Jay Civetti isn't the only old face in a new place.
An internal restructuring of coaching positions, as well as several outside hires, has strengthened the football team's leadership corps and has Civetti raving about the program's enthusiasm.
"Thank goodness for these guys," Civetti, who also became the new quarterbacks coach along with his promotion, said of his staff. "That's why the challenges that initially existed — when he first became interim head coach in January — dissipated. The staff, the kids just love them. These guys are awesome."
Kevin Farr was hired as the defensive backs coach in April, replacing Pete Carmichael, who retired after three years with the Jumbos, taking with him 45 years of professional and Div. I experience.
Then again, Farr's pedigree is hardly lacking. He spent the past nine seasons as the defensive coordinator for Saint Lawrence University, where he helped lead the Saints to the 2010 Liberty League Championship and a first−place ranking in four defensive categories. Farr is also the special teams coordinator for Tufts.
Rich Gunnell also joined Civetti's staff as a defensive assistant for his first coaching gig after a pro career that never fully materialized. Gunnell, who played for Kansas City during the 2010 NFL preseason before being cut, is Boston College's all−time leading receiver with 2,459 career yards and second all−time with 181 receptions.
While with the Eagles, Gunnell played under Civetti, who worked as an offensive assistant coaching the wide receivers for two seasons at Boston College.
"This is my first time ever coaching, so I'm just trying to learn," Gunnell said. "I'm happy coach Civetti brought me in so I have the opportunity to coach good guys like this. A lot of the guys I see here remind me of the guys I used to see at BC."
Mike Daly, the men's lacrosse head coach, also moved from coaching special teams to the defensive line.
Rob Velasquez, a three−year graduate assistant coach with the defensive line, was promoted to full−time in the offseason and took over leading the offensive line.
