DeLand, Fla. - Stetson University's football program is ready to turn the tide and embark on a path to success following a competitive 4-6 season last year. Head Coach Brian Young has taken proactive measures to strengthen the team by adding seven coaches to his staff, instilling a renewed sense of determination as the team sets its sights on the upcoming season.

"We're excited about our coaching staff because we had a chance to get some guys that understand what it means to be in a high academic environment such as this and it also gives us an opportunity to bring some stability here," said Young.

These new coaching additions bring a wealth of experience, championship pedigree and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the field.

Young expressed his enthusiasm for the expertise these coaches bring to the program. "They understand what the philosophy is and what the goal is here," said Young. With a sense of conviction, Young emphasizes, "With their expertise, it can only enhance what we're trying to get done here and that's having a winning program."

Stetson's offense is set to soar to new heights under the guidance of Coach Norman Joseph, the team's new offensive coordinator. Joseph brings with him to DeLand a proven track record of success.

After spending the past two years at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, where he served as the head coach and assistant athletic director, Coach Joseph is returning to the collegiate level.

During his time with the Yellow Jackets, Joseph's leadership helped guide the team to a Division 1 State Championship in 2020. As the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, he played a crucial role in the team's success. Prior to that, he held the position of offensive coordinator at Southeastern University, where he led the Fire to a conference championship in 2018.

A graduate of Mississippi State in 1977, he later earned a master's degree from the University of Louisiana-Monroe in 1979, where he officially began his coaching career.

Coach Joseph's journey started at the University of Louisiana-Monroe, where he served as an assistant coach, specializing in coaching defensive backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers from 1978 to 1986. Throughout his career, he also held notable positions as an offensive coordinator at Belhaven, Louisiana College, and Mississippi College.

His tenure at Mississippi College was particularly remarkable, as he was honored as the American Southwest Conference Coach of the Year in 2009, Under his guidance, the Choctaws secured their fifth and most recent conference championship in program history. Coach Joseph was also recognized for his achievements in 2017, when he was inducted into the Belhaven University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Joining Joseph on Coach Young's staff is Gunner Hudspeth, the newest running backs coach and a fellow Mississippi State alumnus.

After concluding his playing career as a quarterback for the University of Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, Hudspeth quickly transitioned into the realm of coaching. In 2017, he served as an offensive student assistant at Louisiana, primarily working with wide receivers. Seeking to broaden his coaching acumen, Hudspeth then joined the coaching staff at Mississippi State, where he assumed the position of offensive student assistant once again, but this time focusing on tight ends. In addition to his responsibilities as an assistant, Hudspeth also served as the offensive signal caller.

In 2019, Hudspeth embarked on a new challenge as a defensive graduate assistant at Central Arkansas, a role that allowed him to explore the other side of the ball. He lent his expertise to the defensive backs, contributing to their development and pursuit of success during their Southland Championship run.

Hudspeth's recent coaching tenure at Troy University from 2020 to 2022 added valuable experience to his repertoire. In 2020, he served as a special teams graduate assistant, contributing to the team's performance in that aspect of the game before transitioning to an offensive graduate assistant, focusing on running backs, the following year. He once again took on the role of special teams graduate assistant during Troy's 2022 Sun Belt Conference Championship run.

In addition to a new running backs coach, the Hatters addressed another skill position by adding Domonique Young as the wide receiver coach. Young's remarkable playing career, both at the collegiate and professional levels, coupled with his early coaching experiences, makes him a valuable asset to the team. As Stetson aims to enhance their wide receiver unit, Young's expertise and passion brings a fresh perspective to the staff.

Young's odyssey to becoming a wide receiver coach began during his time at Cerritos College, where he set records and left a lasting impact on the program. As a Falcon, Young established himself as the all-time leader in single-season receiving yards. His remarkable performances earned him numerous accolades including All-State, Region, and National Northern honors. Young's contributions to the team were further recognized with the team offensive MVP award and two bowl game victories.

In 2015, Young made the decision to further his football career and joined the Purdue Boilermakers in Lafayette, Indiana. Following his collegiate playing career, Young's talents caught the attention of the New York Jets, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Although his time in the National Football League was brief, Young continued his journey by playing for the Calgary Stampeders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League.

With a deep love for the game, Domonique Young made a seamless transition to coaching in 2020. He began coaching at Trinity Christian Academy, where he served as a wide receiver coach and special teams coordinator. While there, he helped lead the school to the FHSAA 3A State Championship in 2020. Most recently, Young continued to hone his coaching skills and share his knowledge at West Virginia University from 2022 to 2023. As the wide receiver and tight end graduate assistant, he further refined his coaching techniques and worked closely with players at the Division 1 collegiate level.

The Hatters will round out their offensive coaching staff following the addition of Mike Maloney as the new offensive line coach.

Maloney's coaching career took off in 2014 when he began as a student assistant at Virginia Military Institute. From 2015 to 2017, Maloney served as the offensive quality control coach for James Madison University, focusing on offensive line and running backs.

One of the notable highlights of Maloney's coaching journey was his involvement with James Madison's football program during their 2016 FCS National Championship run. This achievement served as a testament to Maloney's coaching insight and his ability to prepare teams for the highest level of competition.

His coaching prowess continued to shine during his tenure at Marshall University from 2017 to 2020. As an offensive graduate assistant focusing on the offensive line, he was a member of the staff that won back-to-back bowl game victories in 2017 & 2018.

Most recently, Mike Maloney served as the offensive coordinator, associate head coach, offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at West Virginia Wesleyan College from 2021-2023. In these multifaceted roles, he displayed his leadership skills and ability to coordinate and develop an effective offensive unit.

The offense wasn't the only side of the ball to get a makeover as three new coaches joined the defense for the 2023 season including Chris Raitano, the new defensive line coach.

Raitano's coaching career includes notable roles at Rice University and Monmouth University. At Rice University, he served as the defensive quality control coordinator and outside linebackers coach from 2021 to 2023. Prior to that, he worked as the defensive graduate assistant, focusing on the defensive line, from 2019 to 2021. Raitano also made significant contributions as the defensive line coach and video coordinator at Monmouth University from 2016 to 2019, helping the team achieve success in the FCS Playoffs and the Big South Conference Championship.

Raitano's coaching experience extends to the high school level, where he served as a varsity co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Raritan High School. He also held various coaching positions, including freshman co-head coach, defensive coordinator/special teams coordinator, and assistant varsity linebacker coach.

Raitano's commitment to academic growth is evident through his master's degree in Liberal Studies from Rice University and his Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Education from Monmouth University.

Also joining Raitano on the defensive staff is cornerback coach, Darrin Hayes.

Hayes has held various key coaching positions throughout his career, showcasing his expertise and leadership abilities. Most recently, he served as the defensive coordinator, safeties coach, and co-special teams coordinator at Bethune Cookman University from 2015 to 2023. During his tenure, Hayes played a significant role in guiding the team to victory as the 2015 MEAC Conference Champions.

Prior to his time at Bethune Cookman University, Hayes served as the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State University in 2014-2015, contributing to the team's defensive strategies and overall success. He also held the position of defensive coordinator at Jackson State University from 2006 to 2013, where he helped lead the team to become the 2012 and 2013 SWAC East Champions.

Prior to that, he served as the head coach and associate athletic director at Lane College from 2002 to 2005, and as the defensive coordinator at Lane College from 2000 to 2002. Hayes then further honed his coaching skills as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Tuskegee University in 2005-2006.

He earned a Bachelor's degree in Management from Knoxville College, further enriching his knowledge base and enhancing his coaching abilities.

Ryder Roscigno joins the Stetson football team as the final piece of the puzzle in the new defensive coaching staff. His addition completes the lineup of seven dynamic coaches brought in to enhance the team's capabilities.

He entered the field of college athletics in December of 2020 at the University of Florida where he worked as a student in equipment and operations. After that, Roscigno made the leap to coaching at Wellington High School, where he served as a linebacker coach, as well as varsity and junior varsity defensive coordinator.

In the words of Head Coach Brian Young, the Stetson Football team's outlook for the upcoming season is defined by a resolute determination. Coach Young emphasizes the significance of their upcoming training camp, where the individuals will forge a cohesive unit. "Let's get to training camp, let's become a team," he declared, underscoring the essential bond that will define their collective strength. With unyielding optimism, Coach Young sets their sights on the first game of the season, harboring the unwavering goal to emerge victorious. "The goal and expectation is to win game one and go from there."

Get ready to experience the excitement of Stetson football by securing your tickets today! As the team gears up for an action-packed season, tickets are now on sale and can be purchased through the official Stetson Athletics website. Don't miss out on the opportunity to cheer on the hatters as they take the field at Spec Martin Stadium. Be a part of the game day experience and support Stetson football by grabbing your tickets now!

All ticketing questions can be directed to the Athletics Ticket Office who can be reached at 386-738-HATS or by email at hattertickets@stetson.edu. For information about the VIP hospitality tent, contact Annual Fund and Special Events Coordinator Robert Keane (rkeane@stetson.edu). 





About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.

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