DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College athletics department and head football coach Rob Taylor have announced that R.J. Chidester will remain on staff in a full-time role, with Torrey Nowell joining the staff as an assistant for the upcoming 2011 campaign.

Chidester completed a two-year graduate assistantship and earned a master's degree in education from Defiance in May, after spending the previous season as a student-assistant with the football program. Prior to beginning his career on the sidelines, the former dual-sport student-athlete earned four letters on the diamond and the gridiron for the Yellow Jackets.

"R.J. has done a great job over the last three years with our coaching staff," said Taylor. "He has earned this opportunity with his hard work, dedication and commitment to our student-athletes. We are thrilled to add him to the full-time staff."

Along with remaining on staff as the tight ends coach for the DC football program, Chidester will also assume the additional responsibilities of assisting the director of retention as an academic support coordinator.

"I am very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to continue my career at Defiance College. There are great things happening around the campus and it is exciting to be a part of it," stated Chidester. "I am confident that through the leadership of our administration and Coach Taylor that this program will climb to new heights. I would not want to be anywhere else."

Nowell will join the DC coaching staff as a graduate assistant, after completing his degree in health and physical education from Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

"As with all of our assistant coaches, we look for someone that cares deeply about the development of young men and a passion to teach the game of football," said Taylor. "I believe we have found that in Torrey."

Nowell will bring coaching experience with him to the Yellow Jacket sidelines, after serving as the head football coach at Central Middle School during the past year. Nowell has also assisted with the Elizabeth City State University and Gates County High football camps.

During his playing career with the Vikings, Nowell helped ECSU to a pair of Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Eastern Division Championships and was a four-time Academic All-American.

"It is a blessing to be a part of a staff that is so family oriented and eager to work. I am excited to be a part of the Defiance College football program," added Nowell.

Nowell will serve as the linebackers coach for the Purple and Gold, while working towards a master's degree in education from Defiance College.

Chidester, Nowell and the rest of the DC football coaching staff will get the 2011 campaign underway on Tuesday, August 9, when the team is slated to report to campus.