SU Football Shifts Staff Responsibilities

SU head football coach Paul Pasqualoni has shifted responsibilities within his staff in preparation for the 2004 season. Chris White has taken over the role of recruiting coordinator and will remain as the tight ends coach. Steve Dunlap will become the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Chris Rippon will become assistant head coach and will return to special teams coordinator, a position he held on the SU staff from 1995 through 1998, in addition to coaching SU’s safeties. In addition, Pasqualoni will be responsible for final game plan decisions.

"The talent and expertise we have on our staff allows us the flexibility to shift coordinator responsibilities in an effort to maximize the overall strength of our staff," Pasqualoni said. "Chris Rippon served as our special teams coordinator during an era when Syracuse was a national leader in that aspect of the game. As the safeties coach, he will also remain very involved with the defense.

In 1996 under Rippon's direction, the entire special teams unit earned The BIG EAST Conference's weekly award, the first and only time that has happened in the 13 years of the league. The unit earned the award for its performance against Pittsburgh. Three of Rippon's pupils – Marvin Harrison, Quinton Spotwood and Kevin Johnson – earned All-America honors as return specialists. Eight of his special teams players earned All-BIG EAST honors, including three who were named the league's Special Teams Player of the Year.

"Steve Dunlap was a defensive coordinator at West Virginia for 10 years before coming to join our staff and Chris White has proven his expertise as a recruiter."

During Dunlap's 10 years as WVU's defensive coordinator the Mountaineers played in the 1996 national championship game as Dunlap directed the defense that led the nation. He mentored 16 All-East and All-BIG EAST selections and mentored 20 players who have played in the NFL and one who went on to play Major League Baseball.

“Chris White has done an outstanding job in all phases of recruiting,” Pasqualoni said. “With the departure of Jerry Azzinaro to Duke, we are fortunate to have a talented coach like Chris White to take over our recruiting.”

White has made a big impact in the recruiting area for the Orange. Fifteen student-athletes on SU's 2004 Spring roster were recruited by White and 10 of the incoming class signed with the Orange after White recruited them.

The 2004 Orangemen begin Spring practice on Friday, March 26 and the Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 24 at 1:00 p.m. SU will kickoff the 2004 season at Purdue on Sunday, September 5 in a game that will be televised nationally on ABC.

Syracuse University Athletics

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