[Posted 02.10.03]

J.T. one step away from completing staff

Bonesville.net staff report

With the 2003 recruiting class signed, East Carolina football coach John Thompson has been able to devote his time and energy to completing his coaching staff. Thompson announced on Monday that he had filled two of the three open positions.

Lonnie Galloway will be coming to ECU from Elon to be wide receivers coach for the Pirates and Art Kaufman has been hired from Arkansas Tech to coach the defensive linemen.

The only position unfilled is that of offensive coordinator and Thompson said he has been talking to several candidates.

"I hope to have that position filled this week," said the ECU coach. "I know I've been saying that for a month."

Galloway set 10 school records at Western Carolina, where he played quarterback from 1990-93. He has been at Elon for six years, the last three as a fulltime coach. He has worked with wide receivers and quarterbacks while with the Phoenix.

Thompson expects Galloway to have a favorable impact on recruiting for the Pirates in North and South Carolina.

Kaufman spent a total of 11 years on the staff at Ole Miss, including 1994-2000 as defensive coordinator for the Rebels.

Kaufman and Thompson served together on the defensive staff at Northwestern Louisiana from 1983-86. Thompson was defensive coordinator before leaving for Louisiana Tech, at which time Kaufman was promoted to defensive coordinator.

Kaufman was a two-time All America at linebacker at Arkansas-Monticello.

"Art Kaufman is a big-time coach," Thompson said.

Fred Tate, who had earlier been announced as defensive line coach, will coach outside linebackers.

The ECU staff also includes defensive coordinator Jerry Odom, defensive backs coach Matt Graves, running backs coach Jerry McManus, offensive line/assistant head coach J.B. Grimes, tight ends coach Steve Janski, defensive graduate assistant Shep Campbell, offensive graduate assistant Larry Shannon and director of football operations Mike Ritchie.

— 30 —