Feb. 2, 2004

Charleston, SC - Citadel head football coach John Zernhelt announced Monday morning that Dick Hopkins was named defensive coordinator for the upcoming 2004 season.

"Dick comes from a strong coaching background that includes serving as the defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt, Duke, Rice and James Madison," Zernhelt stated. "I worked with him while I was at James Madison and really was impressed with his work ethic and enthusiasm."

Hopkins is coming off a five-year stint at James Madison where he served as the defensive coordinator and the defensive backs coach. Hopkins saw four of his defensive backs earn all-Atlantic 10 recognition during his tenure. In Hopkins' first year as defensive coordinator at JMU his defense helped lead the Dukes to a tie for the Atlantic 10 title and a NCAA Division I-AA playoff birth. That defense allowed 21 or fewer points in all but two of its conference games.

"Dick really understands what The Citadel is about," Zernhelt continued. "His love for the game of football and his players were some of the major factors in The Citadel bringing him in."

Before his stint at James Madison he made coaching stops at Tulane (1994-97), Yale (1993-94), Temple (1989-1993), Vanderbilt (1985-1989), Rice (1983-1985), Cincinnati (1983), Duke (1981-1983) and Florida State (19789-1981). Hopkins has a vast career as a defensive coordinator and has served in that position at James Madison, Yale, Vanderbilt, Rice, Cincinnati and Duke.

Hopkins, a 1974 graduate of Florida State University, earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education. One year later, Hopkins again matriculated from FSU this time with a master's degree in Mass Communications.