Aug. 25, 2011
NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion football Coach Bobby Wilder has announced the four promotions on his coaching staff. Dealton Cotton has been elevated to Assistant Head Coach, Keita Malloy has added the title Pass Game Coordinator, Ron Whitcomb will serve as the Monarchs' Recruiting Coordinator, and Jarod Dodson will add Assistant Defensive Coordinator to his duties.
"I am excited with the leadership and commitment Coach Cotton has brought to our program," said Wilder. "He has Head Coaching experience that will certainly benefit our program in his new role as Assistant Head Coach."
Dealton Cotton, who has been promoted to Assistant Head Coach in addition to overseeing the Monarchs' defensive line, begins his fourth season on the Old Dominion coaching staff. At the close of the 2010 season, one of Cotton's linemen, Ronnie Cameron, was named to the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association (VaSID) Second Team All-State having ranked eighth in the nation in tackles for loss averaging 1.79 per game, while the Monarchs as a team ranked 11th nationally in the category. In total defense, ODU made huge strides over the last two seasons. After being ranked 101st after their inaugural season in 2009, the Monarchs jumped 50 places in total defense.
"Coach Malloy has been instrumental in the success of our passing offense in 2009 and 2010," said Wilder. "The development of our receivers is clear to see based on the success we have had. His new role as Pass Game Coordinator will allow for even more growth and development for our program."
Keita Malloy, who will continue to oversee the wide receivers and tight ends as ODU's Pass Game Coordinator, also begins his fourth year on Wilder's staff. In 2009, Malloy's troops helped the Monarchs average just under 400 yards per game in total offense, ranking the team among the top 20 nationally in total offense, while in year number two in 2010, the ODU ranked eighth in scoring offense generating 33.55 points per game with the receivers responsible for 23 of the Monarchs' 44 touchdowns on the year.
"Coach Whitcomb has done an outstanding job as a recruiter in his four years on our staff and is deserving of this promotion," said Wilder. "His organization and communication skills with our staff, recruits and parents will serve our program well as our Recruiting Coordinator."
Ron Whitcomb, also beginning his fourth year as a member of the Monarch staff, adds Recruiting Coordinator to his duties along with overseeing the ODU quarterbacks. In addition to tutoring two-time Walter Payton Award Watch list signal called Thomas DeMarco, Whitcomb has been a vital part of the Monarchs' last two standout recruiting classes. Entering the fall, the Monarchs have helped keep 67 players home in the state of Virginia, including 44 from the Hampton Roads region.
"I am excited with the promotion of Coach Dodson to Assistant Defensive Coordinator," said Wilder. "He brings a great deal of enthusiasm and knowledge to our program that will serve our defense well."
Jarod Dodson enters his second season with the Old Dominion football program adding Assistant Defensive Coordinator to his duties along with overseeing the Monarchs' secondary. In addition to the Monarchs ranking 11th in tackles for the loss, the ODU defense was the top among independents last year in fumbles recovered and sacks.