12-15-2003, 01:28 PM
Brookhart Named Akron Head Football Coach
University of Pittsburgh offensive coordinator chosen to lead Zips' football program
Akron, Ohio - J.D. Brookhart, offensive coordinator with the University of Pittsburgh, has been named head football coach at The University of Akron, director of athletics 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 that we spoke with during the process was extremely high on his ability 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, $700,000 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 I-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 on campus 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 athletics 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, with the hiring of J.D., we have taken a significant step toward advancing our football program to 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 and college 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 a football coach," said Brookhart. "I gave up huge financial rewards to coach football, but have never regretted that decision for one day. I look forward to the challenge and rewards of this job everyday and embrace the opportunity to become the head coach of Akron."
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).
Transactions--
University of Akron - J.D. Brookhart, offensive coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh, named head football coach.
The J.D. Brookhart File
Full Name: Joseph D. Brookhart
Born: October 17, 1964
Hometown: Pueblo, Colo.
Alma Mater: Colorado State, 1988
Family: He and his wife, Jami, have two sons Joseph (5) and Jamison (2).
Coaching Career
Year School Position/Responsibilities Record/Note
2003 Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers 8-4/Playing in Continental Tire Bowl
2002 Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers 9-4/Won Insight.com Bowl
2001 Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers 7-5/Won Tangerine Bowl
2000 Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers/Special Teams Asst. 7-5/Played in Insight.com Bowl
1999 Pittsburgh Wide Receivers/Special Teams Asst. 5-6
1998 Pittsburgh Tight Ends/Special Teams Asst. 2-9
1997 Pittsburgh Tight Ends/Special Teams Asst. 6-6/Played in AXA/Equitable Liberty Bowl
1996 Denver Broncos Offensive/Defensive/Special Teams Asst. 13-3 /AFC West Division Title
1995 Denver Broncos Offensive/Defensive/Special Teams Asst. 8-8
Professional Career
Years Company/Location Position/Job Description
1994-95 Parametric Technology Corp./Salt Lake City, Utah Business Representative/
Direct sales of high-end CAD/COM software
1992-94 Advanced Technology Corp./Denver, Colo. Business Representative/
Direct Sales and Marketing efforts in three-state area
1989-92 Xerox Corp./Denver, Colo. Serviced corporate accounts. Identified opportunities,
formulated strategies to stimulate sales
1988-89 The International Golf Tournament/Denver, Colo. Sold, managed and operated corporate hospitality tents
1988 Los Angeles Rams Professional football player/signed free-agent contract
Educational Background
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, 1988
* 1997 NCAA GTE Post-Graduate Scholarship
* 1997 GTE Academic All-American
* Three-year starter ... ranks seventh in CSU history with 1,873 career receiving yards and 10th in career receptions with 111. Also sixth in career TD receptions (13) ... as a senior in 1987, posted a team-best 51 catches for 683 yards and four TDs.
What They Are Saying About Akron Head Football Coach J.D. Brookhart
"J.D. is an outstanding coaching prospect who has grown tremendously during his time on my staff at Pittsburgh. He has developed a pair of Biletnokoff Award winners and a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. Coach Brookhart has a great offensive mind and has been on the front lines as we have re-built the program here at the University of Pittsburgh. His intelligence, expertise and championship drive will lead the Zips to the top of the Mid-American Conference."
- Walt Harris, head coach of the University of Pittsburgh
"Over the course of my career, at both the collegiate and professional levels, I have coached with a lot of different coaches and there are only a handful I would recommend without reservation and J.D. Brookhart is one of them. He is a class guy who does everything in a professional manner and will experience great success at The University of Akron."
- Mike Shanahan, head coach of the Denver Broncos
"First of all, you are talking about a quality person who cares a great deal about people, including the players he coaches. J.D. is an extremely bright individual who understands how to deal with people very, very well. Coach Brookhart's knowledge of the game is outstanding and he is a tireless worker. J.D. is too good not to be coaching at the highest level and The University of Akron is getting the right guy to lead their football program."
- Greg Robinson, defensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs and formerly the defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos.
"The University of Akron scored big with the hiring of coach Brookhart. He is a player's coach. He makes football fun, while bringing top notch preparation, intensity and a winning attitude to the players and team. He has been a great coach and mentor to me and always made me feel part of his family. Coach Brookhart has helped me be 'the best I could be' both on and off the field. Lookout MAC!"
- Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh Panthers' wide receiver and winner of the Biletnikoff and Walter Camp Awards, as well the Heisman Trophy runner-up
"J.D. Brookhart is one of the outstanding young minds in college football. He did an excellent job at Pittsburgh and I could see him having great success at Akron."
- Pete Carroll, head football coach at USC
"J.D. Brookhart is a steal for The University of Akron. He is a global thinker who has a great deal of energy and is extremely gifted as a coach. J.D.'s offensive expertise is second to none and his knowledge of the game and ability to stay ahead of the curve will make him a tremendously well-rounded head coach for the Zips. As a native of Northeast Ohio I can say that I am thrilled that J.D. Brookhart is going to be leading the charge for Akron. There could not have been a better fit for the community."
- Ed Donatel, defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers and Stow High School Class of '75
"This is an impressive hire for The University of Akron, and for the Mid-American Conference. J.D. Brookhart's credentials and personal background make him ideally suited for this position. The conference is at its competitive height, enjoying its most successful football season in history. In my view, the growth of the MAC over the last several years has been primarily due to outstanding coaches, who have been both intelligent and aggressive in all aspects of developing their football programs. From all indications, this appointment by Director of Athletics Mike Thomas is consistent with that profile."
- Rick Chryst, commissioner of the Mid-American Conference
"The University of Akron and Mike Thomas just made a tremendous hire. J.D. Brookhart is one of the great young coaches in college football. We could not have built the program at the University of Pittsburgh without J.D. He was with us from the first day and has left a significant mark on that program. I will look forward to watching the success of Akron football under J.D. Brookhart."
- Steve Pederson, University of Nebraska Athletics Director, and formerly the AD at Pittsburgh
"As alumni director, it was truly a privilege and honor to be a part of this exciting search. J.D.'s sincere desire to head Akron's football program impressed me. His commitment to building a strong program with talented student-athletes along with his coaching philosophy, I believe, will take our program to a level of success that the campus community, alumni and the City of Akron will be excited and proud to support. J.D.'s love of the game of football will definitely build a level of excitement our community wants and needs."
- Christine Curry, University of Akron Alumni Director
"J.D. Brookhart is one of the best young recruiters in the country. He has helped Pittsburgh move up the ranks in recruiting over the last five years and will do the same at Akron. Players/Alums/Fans will like his positive, hard working and exciting style of play. He's a good one!"
- Tom Lemming, ESPN.com
University of Pittsburgh offensive coordinator chosen to lead Zips' football program
Akron, Ohio - J.D. Brookhart, offensive coordinator with the University of Pittsburgh, has been named head football coach at The University of Akron, director of athletics 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 that we spoke with during the process was extremely high on his ability 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, $700,000 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 I-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 on campus 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 athletics 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, with the hiring of J.D., we have taken a significant step toward advancing our football program to 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 and college 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 a football coach," said Brookhart. "I gave up huge financial rewards to coach football, but have never regretted that decision for one day. I look forward to the challenge and rewards of this job everyday and embrace the opportunity to become the head coach of Akron."
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).
Transactions--
University of Akron - J.D. Brookhart, offensive coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh, named head football coach.
The J.D. Brookhart File
Full Name: Joseph D. Brookhart
Born: October 17, 1964
Hometown: Pueblo, Colo.
Alma Mater: Colorado State, 1988
Family: He and his wife, Jami, have two sons Joseph (5) and Jamison (2).
Coaching Career
Year School Position/Responsibilities Record/Note
2003 Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers 8-4/Playing in Continental Tire Bowl
2002 Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers 9-4/Won Insight.com Bowl
2001 Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers 7-5/Won Tangerine Bowl
2000 Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers/Special Teams Asst. 7-5/Played in Insight.com Bowl
1999 Pittsburgh Wide Receivers/Special Teams Asst. 5-6
1998 Pittsburgh Tight Ends/Special Teams Asst. 2-9
1997 Pittsburgh Tight Ends/Special Teams Asst. 6-6/Played in AXA/Equitable Liberty Bowl
1996 Denver Broncos Offensive/Defensive/Special Teams Asst. 13-3 /AFC West Division Title
1995 Denver Broncos Offensive/Defensive/Special Teams Asst. 8-8
Professional Career
Years Company/Location Position/Job Description
1994-95 Parametric Technology Corp./Salt Lake City, Utah Business Representative/
Direct sales of high-end CAD/COM software
1992-94 Advanced Technology Corp./Denver, Colo. Business Representative/
Direct Sales and Marketing efforts in three-state area
1989-92 Xerox Corp./Denver, Colo. Serviced corporate accounts. Identified opportunities,
formulated strategies to stimulate sales
1988-89 The International Golf Tournament/Denver, Colo. Sold, managed and operated corporate hospitality tents
1988 Los Angeles Rams Professional football player/signed free-agent contract
Educational Background
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, 1988
* 1997 NCAA GTE Post-Graduate Scholarship
* 1997 GTE Academic All-American
* Three-year starter ... ranks seventh in CSU history with 1,873 career receiving yards and 10th in career receptions with 111. Also sixth in career TD receptions (13) ... as a senior in 1987, posted a team-best 51 catches for 683 yards and four TDs.
What They Are Saying About Akron Head Football Coach J.D. Brookhart
"J.D. is an outstanding coaching prospect who has grown tremendously during his time on my staff at Pittsburgh. He has developed a pair of Biletnokoff Award winners and a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. Coach Brookhart has a great offensive mind and has been on the front lines as we have re-built the program here at the University of Pittsburgh. His intelligence, expertise and championship drive will lead the Zips to the top of the Mid-American Conference."
- Walt Harris, head coach of the University of Pittsburgh
"Over the course of my career, at both the collegiate and professional levels, I have coached with a lot of different coaches and there are only a handful I would recommend without reservation and J.D. Brookhart is one of them. He is a class guy who does everything in a professional manner and will experience great success at The University of Akron."
- Mike Shanahan, head coach of the Denver Broncos
"First of all, you are talking about a quality person who cares a great deal about people, including the players he coaches. J.D. is an extremely bright individual who understands how to deal with people very, very well. Coach Brookhart's knowledge of the game is outstanding and he is a tireless worker. J.D. is too good not to be coaching at the highest level and The University of Akron is getting the right guy to lead their football program."
- Greg Robinson, defensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs and formerly the defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos.
"The University of Akron scored big with the hiring of coach Brookhart. He is a player's coach. He makes football fun, while bringing top notch preparation, intensity and a winning attitude to the players and team. He has been a great coach and mentor to me and always made me feel part of his family. Coach Brookhart has helped me be 'the best I could be' both on and off the field. Lookout MAC!"
- Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh Panthers' wide receiver and winner of the Biletnikoff and Walter Camp Awards, as well the Heisman Trophy runner-up
"J.D. Brookhart is one of the outstanding young minds in college football. He did an excellent job at Pittsburgh and I could see him having great success at Akron."
- Pete Carroll, head football coach at USC
"J.D. Brookhart is a steal for The University of Akron. He is a global thinker who has a great deal of energy and is extremely gifted as a coach. J.D.'s offensive expertise is second to none and his knowledge of the game and ability to stay ahead of the curve will make him a tremendously well-rounded head coach for the Zips. As a native of Northeast Ohio I can say that I am thrilled that J.D. Brookhart is going to be leading the charge for Akron. There could not have been a better fit for the community."
- Ed Donatel, defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers and Stow High School Class of '75
"This is an impressive hire for The University of Akron, and for the Mid-American Conference. J.D. Brookhart's credentials and personal background make him ideally suited for this position. The conference is at its competitive height, enjoying its most successful football season in history. In my view, the growth of the MAC over the last several years has been primarily due to outstanding coaches, who have been both intelligent and aggressive in all aspects of developing their football programs. From all indications, this appointment by Director of Athletics Mike Thomas is consistent with that profile."
- Rick Chryst, commissioner of the Mid-American Conference
"The University of Akron and Mike Thomas just made a tremendous hire. J.D. Brookhart is one of the great young coaches in college football. We could not have built the program at the University of Pittsburgh without J.D. He was with us from the first day and has left a significant mark on that program. I will look forward to watching the success of Akron football under J.D. Brookhart."
- Steve Pederson, University of Nebraska Athletics Director, and formerly the AD at Pittsburgh
"As alumni director, it was truly a privilege and honor to be a part of this exciting search. J.D.'s sincere desire to head Akron's football program impressed me. His commitment to building a strong program with talented student-athletes along with his coaching philosophy, I believe, will take our program to a level of success that the campus community, alumni and the City of Akron will be excited and proud to support. J.D.'s love of the game of football will definitely build a level of excitement our community wants and needs."
- Christine Curry, University of Akron Alumni Director
"J.D. Brookhart is one of the best young recruiters in the country. He has helped Pittsburgh move up the ranks in recruiting over the last five years and will do the same at Akron. Players/Alums/Fans will like his positive, hard working and exciting style of play. He's a good one!"
- Tom Lemming, ESPN.com
