University of Akron head football coach Rob Ianello named his assistant head coach, Jim Miceli, and his offensive coordinator, John Latina.

Latina will also serve as tight ends coach, while Miceli will head the Zips recruiting efforts as well as coach the UA running backs.

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“I am thrilled to have both John and Jim in leadership roles on our staff,” Ianello said. “They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our program, that which will help shape the vision for our future.”

Miceli has served as Georgetown’s offensive coordinator for the last four seasons (2006-09).

“I have known Jim for quite sometime,” Ianello said. “His expertise in coaching and recruiting will benefit the Akron football program from day one.”

While at Georgetown, Miceli, who was quarterbacks coach as well as the offensive coordinator, oversaw the development of quarterback Matt Bassuener, a 2008 graduate who went from walk-on to starter during his final two years on campus. Bassuener set a single-season record for most completions as a senior (211), holds the top two records in single-season completion percentage and threw for 1,874 yards in 2007, the seventh-best mark in school history.

A native New Yorker, Miceli spent one season at Fordham (2004) after being the head coach for five seasons at Bryant College (1999-2003). At Bryant, he started the football program from scratch and recorded a winning record in the program’s first year. He established the school as a significant player in the Northeast-10 Conference.

Prior to his stint at Bryant, Miceli spent four seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Maryland. In his four years with the Terrapins, Miceli’s recruiting classes were recognized in the top 20 in the nation three times by a leading college football publication, while Miceli himself was tabbed as one of the 10 top recruiting coordinators in college football.

Miceli also spent two years as an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh from 1992-93, being responsible for tight ends and tackles.

His first head coaching job was rebuilding a fledgling program at Ramapo College (1988-91). Named head coach at the Division III institution in 1988, he inherited a team that was mired in a 1-29-1 losing streak, Miceli orchestrated an incredible turnaround, amassing a 33-9 record in four years. He was named the NJAC coach of the year in 1989.

Miceli’s 10-year, overall head coaching record is 54-37.

Miceli is a 1979 graduate from Southern Connecticut State University where he received a degree in physical education, recreation and general science. He and his wife Mariann have three daughters: Victoria (22), Alexandra (20) and Elizabeth (14).

Latina spent four seasons (2005-08) at Notre Dame, also serving as the offensive line coach, and six at Ole Miss (1999-2004), helping both programs produce their most productive offenses in each school’s history.

“John is an excellent teacher and understands the big picture of offensive football,” Ianello said. “The success he has had during his previous stops speaks for itself. He has a proven record of producing top-flight offense and developing players.”

In Latina’s first three years in South Bend, four Irish offensive linemen were been selected in the NFL draft, more than any other position group on the team over the span. For the 2005 and ‘06 seasons, Latina had an offensive line of juniors, seniors and fifth-year seniors who had all played together. The successes experienced by the offense in those two years can be partially credited to the play of the offensive line those years.

At Notre Dame, Latina oversaw an offense that include the program’s top two passers all-time - Brady Quinn and Jimmy Clausen, while the Fighting Irish offense set numerous records during his time.

Latina previously coached at Ole Miss, helping the Rebels excel offensively during his time as coordinator. The Ole Miss offense featured SEC Player of the Year Eli Manning and 11 offensive linemen that signed NFL contracts during Latina’s tenure. Latina was the offensive line coach at Clemson from 1994-98, seeing six of his players earn All-ACC honors.

A 1981 graduate of Virginia Tech and four-year letterwinner on the team, Latina joined the Hokies coaching staff in 1981 as a graduate assistant. After spending one season (1982) as an assistant at Pittsburgh, Latina became the offensive line coach at Temple (1983-88). His offensive line blocked for first team All-America tailback Paul Palmer, who led the nation in rushing in 1986. Latina joined the Kansas State staff in 1989 as offensive line coach and running game coordinator. He spent five seasons with the Wildcats.

Born Sept. 18, 1957, John Joseph Latina is a native of New Castle, Pa. He is married to the former Michele Veltre (also of New Castle). They are parents of two sons, John and Michael.

By University of Akron Sports Information
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