Cardinals Tab OLB Coach Connolly as Recruiting Coordinator

MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State outside linebackers coach Cory Connolly is adding the role of recruiting coordinator to his duties with the football program.

Connolly completed his sixth season with the Cardinals in 2020 and his third as outside linebackers coach. He helped Ball State to its first MAC championship since 1996, its first-ever bowl win and its first year-end national ranking in the AP Top 25 and Amway Coaches Poll.

"Cory attacks each day with great passion and relentless effort to make our program better," head coach Mike Neu said. "He has a bright future ahead of him, and I am excited for this new step in his coaching career. He will be a tremendous asset in this role."

Connolly mentored Anthony Ekpe and Christian Albright from his position group to All-MAC honors in 2020. He helped coach a Ball State defense that limited its final five opponents to an average of 18.4 points below their average.

Ball State won its final seven games in 2020 to finish 7-1, knocking off back-to-back nationally ranked opponents in the MAC Championship Game (No. 23 Buffalo) and Offerpad Arizona Bowl (No. 19 San Jose State).

Connolly takes over the recruiting coordinator duties previously held by Alex Bailey who announced this week his departure to become receivers coach at Colorado State.

Cardinals Tab OLB Coach Connolly as Recruiting Coordinator

Players Mentioned

Christian Albright

Anthony Ekpe

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