Coniglio Returns to Kent State as Assistant Coach
1/18/2019 12:07:00 PM | Football
Kent State recently announced the hiring of Joe Coniglio as its outside linebackers coach and defensive recruiting coordinator. A former graduate assistant with the Golden Flashes, Coniglio spent the past five seasons at Rhode Island, where he served as defensive line coach, special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator.
"After an extensive search with a lot of interest in this position, Joe was by far the best candidate we interviewed." Head Coach Sean Lewis said. "He had all of the characteristics we were looking for as an on-the-field coach and a developer of young men.  And he has the ability to recruit and acquire great talent. We're very excited to have him as a part of our family and with what we are building."
Coniglio spent three seasons (2009-11) at Kent State in several roles, including special assistant to the head coach. Working closely with the Flashes' defensive line, he worked with future NFL players Roosevelt Nix, Ishmaa'liy Kitchen and Monte Simmons. During that period, Kent State's defense ranked in the top tier of numerous NCAA categories, including 10th in the nation in total defense in 2010.
Rhode Island was also among national (FCS) leaders in numerous defensive categories during Coniglio's time with the Rams. In 2017, Rhode Island was the only defensive line in the nation to have five players with five or more sacks and 10 or more tackles for loss. The Rams broke the program's sack record that season and produced their third different all-conference player during Coniglio's time. In 2018, URI ranked 31st in the FCS in total defense.
Following his time at Kent State, Coniglio spent two seasons coaching the defensive line at Northern Michigan.
A two-time All-Mid-American Conference defensive end at Miami, Coniglio was a three-year winner of the RedHawks' Vic Waltz Defensive Lineman of the Year award.
Other coaching adjustments include Colin Ferrell moving back into his previous role as defensive line coach, while wide receivers coach Matthew Middleton has taken on the role of offensive recruiting coordinator. Defensive Coordinator Tom Kaufman will also serve as inside linebackers coach and Will Windham will adjust to safeties coach.
The Flashes continue offseason workouts prior to the start of spring practices, beginning March 2.
