Salve coach takes Division II head coaching job
| Bob Chesney had Salve
Regina's sights set beyond the NEFC and was one of few coaches in
the conference willing to schedule strong programs outside of New
England. Salve Regina athletics file photo |
Assumption has named Bob Chesney as its football head coach, as announced by athletic director Nick Smith. Chesney was 23-9 in three seasons as head coach at Salve Regina, including a 9-2 mark this past season.
"I am excited to welcome Bob Chesney to the Assumption College community and to our football program," said Smith. "He has proven that he can win on the football field and I expect that he will bring that success to Assumption as we strive for excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community."
Assistant coach Kevin Gilmartin takes the reins.
He joined the Seahawk football coaching staff in 2012 and
helped lead the squad to an NEFC division title as Salve Regina
reached the New England Football Conference championship
game for only the second time in its history. This past season the
Gilmartin offense broke school records for total points scored
(356), total all-purpose yardage (5,770), and passing touchdowns
(19).
Within the special teams game, Gilmartin was directly involved with
coaching the return specialists which led to All-American honors
for Phil Terio.
As an assistant coach at Mount Ida, Gilmartin worked five seasons
handling the responsibilities of offensive coordinator, recruiting
coordinator, quarterbacks coach, running backs coach, and
admissions liaison. Gilmartin gained further collegiate
coaching experience as a special teams/assistant running backs
coach at Hofstra (Division I-AA) and a quarterbacks/defensive backs
coach at Hamilton (Division III) for five years.
"We're very different from where we were three years ago," said the
departing Chesney to the assembled Seahawk squad on Monday. "The
reason why this opportunity is being afforded to me is because of
those guys (Salve Regina players and coaches) in the room. It's not
something that one guy does, or something that's done overnight.
They understand what they did to get the program here, and I know
that they will continue to move in that direction."
"I thank Bob for all that he has done for our football program
during his time at Salve," said Sullivan. "He will be sorely missed
by our football family and the university, but I am excited to have
a coach with Kevin's talent and intelligence prepared to lead our
program. I look forward to Kevin's continued leadership and I'm
confident he, our staff, and our players will continue to build a
championship football program at Salve Regina."
"I am honored to be given this opportunity to be the head football
coach at Salve Regina University," said Gilmartin. "Winning the
division was one step. Players who are champions in the classroom,
on the field, and in the community will continue our direction for
this program on the national scene."
