Brock begins new era of Delaware football

For the first time in 11 years, there is a new face for Delaware football. Dave Brock has been hired as head coach after K.C. Keeler was relieved of his duties by Athletic Director Eric Ziady on Jan. 7.

During 11 seasons at Delaware, Keeler posted a record of 86-52, won a NCAA Division 1-AA championship in 2003 and appeared in two other championships in 2007 and 2010. Despite his past success, Keeler was unable to lead the Hens to the postseason in four of the last five seasons and ended this past season on a four game losing streak, their longest losing streak since 1967.

In the wake of Keeler’s firing, Ziady began to search for just the fifth head coach since 1940. His search began with Dave Brock and ultimately ended with him.

“I can’t even tell you what was going through my mind I was so jacked up,” Brock said. “Not only was it a head-coaching job, it was a head-coaching job at the University of Delaware.”

Brock spent the last season serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Rutgers University. He and Ziady worked together while Brock coached at Boston College as a tight ends coach. Brock has also coached at Kansas State University, University of North Carolina, Temple University, Hofstra, Salisbury State University and Western Connecticut State University.

He has coached a number of NFL players including quarterback Josh Freeman, wide receiver Jordy Nelson, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and wide receiver Marques Colston among others.

“When I saw that I was pretty impressed,” sophomore quarterback Trent Hurley said. “As a player you have to be excited to work with that.”

During the press conference Brock discussed his familiarity with Delaware’s football program growing up in southern New Jersey and coaching in the Northeast for several years. As a member of Hofstra’s staff Brock said he saw “an elite program” when facing Delaware.

The news of Brock’s hiring has come right in the middle of recruiting season, a crucial time for any football program. Brock said he will be in touch with those who have already verbally committed to play at Delaware and will begin to recruit for next season but also must recruit those already on the Delaware roster.

“I had a chance to meet with them earlier and explain to them that there is no plan to rebuild,” Brock said. “There is a plan to win in 2013. Period.”

Both Ziady and Brock emphasized the importance of continuing the rich tradition of Delaware football both on and off the field. Brock said he wants his players to have a complete experience and attack all aspects of life, from the classroom to the field. He also said he will instill his motto “together we will” in the team in the coming weeks and get to know his team and the university.

Players had a brief meeting with Brock before the press conference and were impressed with his win now attitude.

“We wanted him to know that we are here and that we support him, but we are not reloading.” sophomore lineman Logan Shultz said. “We are ready to win now.”