March 8, 2002
Cullowhee, N.C. -
Western Carolina head football coach Kent Briggs has completed his football staff with the appointment of Andy Hendel and John Turner.
Hendel will serve as the Catamounts' special teams coordinator and linebackers coach. This past season, he was the linebackers coach at Cincinnati, helping the Bearcats earn a berth in the 2001 Motor City Bowl. From 1996-2001, he was defensive coordinator at Western Kentucky University, coaching the linebackers as well as being the head strength coach. In 2000, the Hilltoppers led the nation in scoring defense (10.9 ppg) and forcing 50 turnovers. In 1997, WKU ranked eigthth nationally in rushing defense and 27th in total defense. In both 2000 and 1997, the Hilltoppers ended the season ranked fifth, reaching the second round of the NCAA I-AA playoffs each time.
From 1991-96, Hendel was defensive coordinator at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y. His 1994 defense ranked among the best in NCAA Division III. He got his start in coaching at Webster (N.Y.) High School. He was a volunteer assistant in 1998 and defensive coordinator from 1989-91.
Hendel played professional football from 1984-87. He played two seasons in the USFL as a linebacker with the Jacksonville Bulls (1984-85), landing on the league's All-Rookie team in 1994. From 1986-87, he played for the NFL's Miami Dolphins. In 1986, he was the special teams captain and led the unit in tackles.
A 1983 graduate of North Carolina State, Hendel is one of the Wolpack's all-time leading tacklers, ranking 15th with 282, while ranking sixth on the N.C. State list for fumbles caused and tackles for losses. He started his career at N.C. State in 1979 and played inside linebacker until 1983. In his senior season, he was was his school's Michael J. Hardy Award winner, which is presented annually to the a football player who displays superior courage and consistently performs above his ability. He also was recognized as a member of the National Walk-on All-America team.
A native of Rochester, Hendel was inducted into the New York State High School Section 5 Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Dina, have a son (Spencer Carey) and daughter (Andee Marie).
Turner, who will coach the offensive linemen, comes to WCU after one season as an offensive graduate assistant at Clemson. Prior to his stint with the Tigers, he was running game coordinator at UMS-Wright Prep School in Mobile, Ala., from April 1999-Feb. 2001. Turner spent two seasons (1997-99) as an offensive line and special teams assistant at Auburn, at which time he received his M.S. in physical education. While at Auburn, the Tigers were 1997 Southeastern Conference West Division champions and played in the 1998 Peach Bowl. Turner was a high school assistant coach from Feb. 1989-April 1997 at Dothan (Ala.) and Daleville (Ala.) High Schools. At Dothan (1994-97), he was offensive coordinator, while leading the special teams and the team's strength and conditioning program. At Daleville (1989-94). Turner was offensive line coach, helping the team to a 1992 state title and the 1993 state finals.
Upon graduating from Jacksonville State University in 1988, Turner spent one season (1988) as an offensive graduate assistant at his alma mater. That year, Jacksonville State reached the NCAA Division II quarterfinals. Turner, who hails from Fort Meade, Fla., was a two-year letterman as an offensive lineman at JSU, while being a two-year starter as a freshman and sophomore at Marion Military Institute.
Western Carolina is scheduled to have its first spring practice on Tuesday (Mar. 19). The Catamounts are also scheduled to play their annual spring game on April 13.
Western Carolina's 2002 Football Coaching Staff
Kent Briggs - Head Coach
Ken Matous - Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers/Quarterbacks
Geoff Collins - Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
Andy Hendel - Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers
Myron Jackson - Tight Ends
Ricky Logo - Defensive Line
Kris Reis - Recruiting Coordinator/Defensive Assistant
John Turner - Offensive Line
Todd Varn - Running Backs
