Charleston, SC – The Citadel Football Head Coach Kevin Higgins announced Friday that former Bulldog Raleigh Jackson, '07, will return to his alma mater to join the Bulldog coaching staff as the new tight ends coach. In addition, Bill Mottola, of Miami University (Ohio), has been selected as the new slot back coach as Higgins has promoted offensive line coach Bob Bodine to offensive coordinator.
"Our offensive staff is finally complete, said Higgins about the hires. "I am very excited to bring Raleigh back to The Citadel to coach our tight ends. Raleigh was a four-year letterman for us and an outstanding leader," said Higgins. "It is nice to have another Citadel graduate on the staff."
Jackson, who played linebacker for The Citadel from 2003-2006, started all 11 games as a senior and helped lead the Bulldogs to their first Southern Conference winning record in 15 years, going 4-3 in 2006. Jackson, originally from Orangeburg, S.C., spent the last three seasons coaching at Missouri Southern State, where he coached the linebackers and defensive line. Under his tutelage, Jared Brawner was an All-MIAA, All-Region, and All-America selection after leading the league in tackles and ranking 10th in Division II.
Jackson previously coached at Goose Creek High School in Goose Creek, S.C., where he coached under former Baylor Head Coach Chuck Reedy. Jackson served as the defensive ends coach and assisted with special teams.
Assistant coach Nathaniel Hogge, who previously coached the tight ends, will now coach the wide receivers. Mottola, who will be coaching the slot backs, replaces former Bulldog Offensive Coordinator Tommy Laurendine who accepted a head coaching position in the spring.
Mottola, a 1989 graduate of Springfield College (Mass.), has coached every offensive position during his career. His coaching resume includes stops at Maine Maritime Academy, Vanderbilt University, University of the South, West Point, Western Kentucky and Kent State. He most recently coached the offensive line at Miami University.
In 1995, Mottola took his coaching career to the United States Military Academy in West Point, where he coached tight ends for three seasons and the offensive line for two. During his time at Army, they set the record for number of wins in a season (10), won the national rushing title twice (1996 & 1998), played in the Independence Bowl (1996) and ended the 1996 season ranked 25th in the final AP poll.
In 2000, Mottola was named offensive coordinator at Western Kentucky. In his one season with the Hilltoppers they finished No. 1 in the country in passing efficiency, No. 1 in turnover margin, No. 9 in rush offense, and No. 25 in scoring offense. On its way to an 11-2 record and postseason playoff appearance, WKU had the distinction of being the only Division I football team in the country without an interception thrown. Western Kentucky finished the season ranked No. 5 in the nation in the final USA Today poll.
"Bill brings a wealth of experience to The Citadel. He is yet another coach that spent time at a military academy," said Higgins. "While at West Point, Bill learned the intricacies of the triple option offense as they were one of the top rated offenses in the country during his tenure. His background in the triple option, plus his experience at Army, makes him a great match."
Bodine will take over coordinator responsibilities, previously held by Laurendine, while continuing to coach the offensive line.
"Bob worked for Paul Johnson and has a thorough knowledge of every aspect of triple option football. He was part of a team that won a national championship and his experience at VMI has made for an easy transition to The Citadel," Higgins added. "While at VMI his offenses were ranked very high in several statistical categories. He is one of the most respected option coaches in the country."
Jackson and Mottola join Craig Candeto, former Navy standout quarterback, as the newest members of the Bulldog coaching staff. Candeto was hired in February to coach the Bulldog quarterbacks and b-backs.
"I purposed to be patient in evaluating all candidates. Candeto, our QB coach from The Naval Academy, will be an excellent complement to Bob as they both learned the system from Paul Johnson. Craig and Bill's background in the option will be invaluable, as well as Nate's who was part of the triple option as a player at Elon."
The Bulldogs will return for fall camp on Aug. 4 and the first game of the 2011 season will take place on Sept. 3 against Jacksonville at Johnson Hagood Stadium. For more information on tickets or on Bulldog Football, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics, the new www.CitadelSports.com.
