(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) – Ben Gibboney has been named the defensive coordinator for the Carnegie Mellon University football program, and will begin his role next month. Gibboney, who has been part of the Tartans' staff as the defensive backs coach since 2015, replaces longtime Tartan defensive coordinator Terry Bodnar, who announced his retirement in November after 36 years with the program. Bodnar spent 34 years as defensive coordinator.

"Ben has proven to be a hard-working, dedicated, committed and knowledgeable assistant for the previous five seasons," said Head Coach Rich Lackner. "My coaches and I have great confidence in Ben's ability to put our defensive squad in the best position to succeed. Coach Gibboney is a great motivator and I'm confident that our defense will be prepared and play hard."

During Gibboney's tenure at Carnegie Mellon as defensive backs coach, he has mentored two-time D3football.com All-American safety Drew Fitzmorris (2015 and 2017). Also since his arrival, the Tartans have had nine defensive backs named All-Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) with three first team honorees. In 2019, the Tartans' defense ranked as one of the top teams in the PAC allowing 297.9 yards per contest.

"I'd like to thank Josh Centor, Rich Lackner and the committee for selecting me as Defensive Coordinator for the Carnegie Mellon University football team. This is a dream job for my family and me, at a renowned University we admire, in a city we love and call home.," commented Gibboney. "Over the past five seasons, I had the privilege of working with Coach Lackner and the entire staff, a group of incredibly talented, dedicated coaches. I am honored to continue to go to work with them, and the entire Carnegie Mellon University Athletics Department, in this new role. I'd like to specifically thank Terry Bodnar, the Defensive Coordinator for the past 34 seasons. Coach B's knowledge, passion and instruction have had a profound impact on my life and career. It is a humbling honor to step into his position."

Prior to arriving at Carnegie Mellon, Gibboney had coaching stints with Juniata College and Shippensburg University. During his time at Juniata, he worked with the secondary and special teams while assisting with video coordination and recruiting. At Shippensburg, Gibboney coached the defensive line.

"Ben has made an enormous impact on our students over the past few years, and I am looking forward to having him on staff in a full-time capacity," said Director of Athletics Josh Centor. "We are proud of our defensive tradition at Carnegie Mellon, and Ben is the right person to continue to build that legacy of excellence."

Gibboney is a 2006 graduate of Susquehanna University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history. While at Susquehanna, he was a four-year letterman for the Crusaders' football team as a free safety. He was a two-time All-Middle Athletic Conference (MAC) selection as a defensive back and return specialist and played in all 40 of the Crusaders' games during his career, starting the final 36. He totaled 259 tackles, including 190 solo, 13 interceptions, 38 pass breakups, nine forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
 
Off the field, Gibboney was a two-time MAC Academic Honor Roll selection and was named to the 2005 CoSIDA ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Second Team.
 
Gibboney earned his master's degree from Shippensburg in December 2009 in organizational development and leadership with a concentration in higher education.