Out with the old. In with the new.
New Ferris State University head football coach Tony Annese announced several staff changes as he begins to put his own mark on Bulldog football.
Four full-time staff members have been appointed to assistant coaching roles within the program, and all four coaches will begin their duties immediately. The new appointees include former FSU football player Ryan Hodges along with Ryan Brady, Ryan Oshnock and Rob Zeitman.
“I’m excited to announce the hiring of these individuals and believe they will do an outstanding job of representing our program and helping us achieve success,” FSU head football coach Tony Annese said.
Zeitman, Hodges and Brady have all served as assistant coaches to Annese at various institutions. Hodges and Brady were part of his staff at Grand Rapids Community College while Zeitman worked under Annese at Muskegon High School for three seasons.
Additionally, Hodges, Brady and Oshnock all played football collegiately in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Hodges played defensive back for FSU and claimed All-GLIAC honors in 2000. Brady played quarterback for Grand Valley State University and was a member of the Lakers’ first national title team in 2002. Oshnock was a three-year starter at defensive back for Wayne State University and was a national semifinalist for the prestigious Draddy Award, which combines academic and athletic excellence, in 2006.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with these individuals over the years and am confident they will do whatever it takes to give our student-athletes the ability to be successful both on and off the field,” Annese said.
Annese also announced the status of the assistants from former head football coach Jeff Pierce’s staff. Former offensive line coach Eric Ravellette left FSU on Jan. 9 to become offensive coordinator at Trine University. Defensive backs coach Kyle Williams excused himself on Jan. 4 to pursue opportunities in his home state of California.
Annese has elected not to retain defensive coordinator Duane Wilson, offensive coordinator Chris Boden and part-time assistant coach Allen Curtiss. Part-time assistant coach Joe Hensel will remain on staff, and part-time assistant Travis Eising will stay with the program through the end of the semester.
Bulldog fans will have the opportunity to meet Annese and his newly appointed staff Friday during a special “Pregame Meet and Greet” prior to FSU’s home hockey game against Michigan State. The event will take place at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Big Rapids starting at 5 p.m.