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| Jay Anderson was Oberlin's
defensive coordinator. Oberlin athletics photo by Allison Gannon |
OBERLIN, Ohio – Oberlin athletic
director Natalie
Winkelfoos announced the appointment of Jay Anderson
as the school's head football coach.
Anderson, who had been serving as the Yeomen's interim head coach
since early December, was selected following an exhaustive national
search that produced more than 200 applicants.
"Coach Anderson has impressive credentials for strong integrity,
meaningful involvement in our community, and a striking commitment
to the success of our students on and off the football field,"
Winkelfoos said. "His understanding and enthusiasm for Oberlin goes
unmatched."
Serving as the Yeomen's defensive coordinator in 2013, Anderson
guided an Oberlin defense that finished fourth in the NCAC in total
defense and third in red-zone defense. With his tutelage, the
Yeomen also recorded two shutout victories – a feat that has
not happened since the 1946 season.
He mentored senior safety Zach
Kisley to First-Team All-NCAC and Third-Team All-Ohio
honors. In total, four of the five Yeomen's All-NCAC recipients
were on defense. All-NCAC Second-Team selection Kirby
Livingston led the league with four forced fumbles and
added 6.5 sacks. Honorable mention selection Kyle
Kessler was second in the NCAC in tackles per game (9.8),
while fellow honorable-mention honoree C.J. Ihle finished sixth in
the league with 7.5 sacks.
"I would like thank both President Krislov and Delta Lodge
Director of Athletics Natalie
Winkelfoos for this incredible opportunity to lead the
Oberlin College football program," Anderson said. "I am committed
to recruiting and developing the very best student-athletes in
order to win football games, while also engaging the alumni and the
community in the process."
Anderson spent the 2012 season as a member of the coaching staff
at Division II Notre Dame (Ohio). He was previously with the Yeomen
on part-time basis for three seasons, working as the team's
defensive backs coach from 2009-11.
During the time of transition, Anderson and the rest of the Yeomen
coaches have done an admirable job recruiting, securing 15 players
through the early decision process.
"We are thrilled Coach Anderson is taking the reins at this
important moment for Oberlin football," President Krislov said.
"Jay is an inspiring leader and mentor. He has demonstrated an
extraordinary ability to recruit the finest student-athletes and to
support them on and off the field. We look forward to great success
for him and our students."
A former football and track athlete at Oberlin High School,
Anderson went on to start 48 games at defensive back at Toledo. He
helped the Rockets win the 2001 Mid-American Conference
championship and the West Division title in 2000 and 2002. In
high school, he was the state champion in the 100-meter dash in
1997 and 1998.
Anderson, who becomes the only current African-American head
football coach in the NCAC, graduated from Toledo in 2003 with a
bachelor's of arts degree in English.