Photo by: Ball State University Creative Services
Football Announces New Roles for Several Staffers
April 24, 2017 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State football head coach Mike Neu announced some role changes to his staff for the 2017 season today.
Kyle DeVan, now in his second year with the Cardinals, has added the title of assistant head coach. DeVan will continue to serve as the offensive line coach. Last year, Ball State averaged 220 rushing yards per game, its highest average since 1978 (238.6 ypg). Before turning to coaching, DeVan played in the NFL for five seasons and played in Super Bowl XLIV with the Indianapolis Colts.
Johnny Curtis, also entering his second year at Ball State, is now the defensive run game coordinator as well as linebackers coach. In his first year with the Cardinals, Curtis helped linebacker Sean Wiggins earn all-conference accolades. He previously served as the defensive coordinator at John Curtis Christian High School in Louisiana where he specialized in linebackers and special teams.
"For our football program to get to the level where we are competing for MAC championships on a yearly basis, we need the right staff in place at Ball State," Neu said. "Both Kyle and Johnny have done a tremendous job since joining our team and deserve added roles."
The on-the-field graduate assistants will have new roles this coming fall as well. Shawn Chaffee, who worked with the defensive line in 2016, will assist with the linebackers this fall. Cory Connolly is shifting from defensive backs to the defensive line. On offense, Dean Petzing is making the move from wide receivers to offensive line. Finally, Blair Cavanaugh, a new addition to the staff for 2017, will assist with the wide receivers.
The Cardinals kick off their 2017 season the first weekend in September with a trip to Illinois. Ball State's home opener is set for Saturday, Sept. 9 against UAB. Season ticket purchases can be made on-line at BallStateSports.com (CLICK HERE).
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Kyle DeVan, now in his second year with the Cardinals, has added the title of assistant head coach. DeVan will continue to serve as the offensive line coach. Last year, Ball State averaged 220 rushing yards per game, its highest average since 1978 (238.6 ypg). Before turning to coaching, DeVan played in the NFL for five seasons and played in Super Bowl XLIV with the Indianapolis Colts.
Johnny Curtis, also entering his second year at Ball State, is now the defensive run game coordinator as well as linebackers coach. In his first year with the Cardinals, Curtis helped linebacker Sean Wiggins earn all-conference accolades. He previously served as the defensive coordinator at John Curtis Christian High School in Louisiana where he specialized in linebackers and special teams.
"For our football program to get to the level where we are competing for MAC championships on a yearly basis, we need the right staff in place at Ball State," Neu said. "Both Kyle and Johnny have done a tremendous job since joining our team and deserve added roles."
The on-the-field graduate assistants will have new roles this coming fall as well. Shawn Chaffee, who worked with the defensive line in 2016, will assist with the linebackers this fall. Cory Connolly is shifting from defensive backs to the defensive line. On offense, Dean Petzing is making the move from wide receivers to offensive line. Finally, Blair Cavanaugh, a new addition to the staff for 2017, will assist with the wide receivers.
The Cardinals kick off their 2017 season the first weekend in September with a trip to Illinois. Ball State's home opener is set for Saturday, Sept. 9 against UAB. Season ticket purchases can be made on-line at BallStateSports.com (CLICK HERE).
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
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