After coaching the defensive line in 2011, Brian Vaganek was promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2012 season. He will continue working with the defensive line as well.

In 2011, Vaganek helped senior defensive tackle Willie McGinnis earn second-team All-CAA honors last fall. McGinnis ranked third among defensive tackles in the conference with 66 tackles, including 10 for a loss. As a unit, the Rams ranked fifth in the CAA in rushing defense at 147.3 yards per game.

Vaganek arrives in Kingston following four years at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va. During his four-year tenure, the Captains posted a 26-15 mark, including a trip to the NCAA Playoffs in 2008. In 2008, his defense limited opponents to just 20.1 points per game and forced 24 fumbles.

Vaganek began his coaching career at Highland (Kansas) Community College as the defensive line coach. He later served six years on the staff at William & Mary (1995-2000) before moving on to Hofstra University where he coached from 2001-2003. He also coached one year at Fort Scott (Kansas) Community College in 1994 and eventually returned for a two-year stint as head coach from 2004-05.

The New York native is a 1993 graduate of Temple University, where he played four years as an offensive lineman and long snapper. Vaganek and his wife Jeanette are the proud parents of Brian, Jr. and Julia.

Updated Feb. 23, 2012