Gattuso Announces Coaching Staff Additions And Adjustments

JAY FOSTER RELEASE  I  NATE BYHAM RELEASE  I  DAVE PLUNGAS RELEASE

ALBANY, N.Y. -- University at Albany Head Football Coach Greg Gattuso has announced a number of adjustments to the UAlbany coaching staff for the 2015 season, including the addition of Jay Foster, Nate Byham, and Dave Plungas.

Foster will serve as the team's defensive backs coach, Byham will lead the tight ends, and Plungas will assist the defensive assistant coaches.

In addition, Gabe Luvara has moved from tight ends coach to assistant offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, while offensive coordinator Joe Bernard has added assistant head coach to his title.

“Gabe was instrumental in the development of our passing game last year and he's going to step up in his role,” said Gattuso. “He's just done a great job for us and we have a lot of faith in him.”

Bernard Clark also received a promotion, now serving as associate head coach, defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach.

"One of his greatest assets is getting kids to play for him hard," said Gattuso of Clark. "They respond to him and rally to him. I just love his energy on the field and he's going to do a great job running our defense this year."

Former director of operations, Jeff Dittman, has been promoted to the role of special teams coordinator and defensive assistant.

"Jeff's work ethic and loyalty this past year was phenomenal in the director role," said Gattuso. "Special teams needs a guy that works like that and Jeff is a great fit. He's a young enthusiastic coach and he's very dedicated."

Consequently, Harry Traylor fills Dittman's void in operations after spending last season assisting the defense.

"Harry was my intern at Maryland a few years ago," added Gattuso. "I think he's an extremely intelligent person. He's young but I think he has the skills to balance what we need in that role. Our director of football is a guy who really helps me run the program. He has big shoes to fill but I think he's going to do a great job."

Lastly, Aaron Smith has added pass game coordinator to his responsibilities, in addition to his former roles of recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach.