W&L Names Brendan O'Brien Assistant Football Coach

LEXINGTON, Va. -- Washington and Lee Director of Athletics Jan Hathorn has announced the appointment of Brendan O'Brien as assistant football coach and assistant professor of physical education. O'Brien will officially begin his duties on May 1.

"We are pleased and excited to make this offer to Brendan," said Hathorn. "His demonstrated experience at like-minded institutions make him well-suited for the position and set him apart from his peers. He will be a great addition to our football staff, our Physical Education department and to our campus as a whole."

O'Brien comes to W&L from Bowdoin College, where he served as assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator during the 2008 season. O'Brien worked with the safeties, kickers and was the special teams coordinator, helping the Polar Bears to a 4-4 overall record. He was also an athletic department admissions liaison, working with all 31 Bowdoin sports in their recruiting efforts.

"I am excited about taking on this new role at Washington and Lee University," said O'Brien. "I feel that working at similar academic institutions in the past has prepared me to be able to make a smooth transition.  I had the pleasure to meet with some of the players during my interview and to see how hard they are working, both on and off the field; it makes me thrilled to be able to work with the type of student that a school like W&L attracts.  I am also excited about the possibility of working hard with the students and the football staff to bring another ODAC championship and NCAA berth to the football program in 2009."

Prior to Bowdoin, O'Brien served as an assistant football coach at Amherst College from 2006-08, was an assistant football coach at Bentley College for the 2005 season and was an assistant football and assistant baseball coach at Norwich University from 2002-05. O'Brien has also worked numerous summer camps over the years, including camps at Harvard, Lafayette, Princeton, Yale and Boston College.

A 2002 graduate of Norwich University with a bachelor of science in physical education with a minor in coaching, O'Brien was a four-year letterwinner for both the football and baseball teams. On the gridiron, he was a three-year starter at linebacker and a two-time all-conference selection. On the baseball diamond, O'Brien was a four-year starter at catcher and served as a team captain during his senior season.

"We are looking forward to Brendan joining our staff," said Head Coach Frank Miriello. "During the interview process, Brendan demonstrated excellent teaching techniques, outstanding knowledge of secondary play, a passion for the game and a strong desire to continue to learn. Brendan is going to be a major contributor to our program. I am eagerly looking forward to having him hit the ground running during our spring term practice sessions."

O'Brien will serve as the Generals' defensive backs coach, and will assist with special teams and video operations.

-- GENERALS --