Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Bubba Schweigert promoted to Associate Head Football Coach
12/12/2008 | 12:00:00 | Football
Dec. 12, 2008
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University announced Friday that Bubba Schweigert has been promoted to associate head coach. Schweigert recently completed his first season as defensive coordinator on the Saluki football staff.
"I am very fortunate to have a coach on staff with the experience and insight that Coach Schweigert possesses," said SIU head coach Dale Lennon. "Bubba is very deserving of this title and his additional responsibilities will assist in the overall growth and development of our coaching staff and football program."
SIU ranked second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in rushing defense and interceptions and third in both scoring and total defense under Schweigert's watch this year. The Salukis also ranked 25th in the nation against the run, allowing 112 yards per game.
"I am looking forward to continuing my role with some added responsibilities," said Schweigert. "I am grateful for this opportunity and appreciate the confidence Coach Lennon and our administrative staff has in me."
The Salukis finished 9-3 overall, earned a share of the Valley Football title and made their sixth-straight NCAA postseason appearance in 2008.
"We were happy with the progress we made throughout our season and we will continue to have high expectations for our defensive unit with the goal of becoming the top defense in the MVFC as well as the entire country," said Schweigert.
Prior to SIU, Schweigert was the head coach at Minnesota-Duluth for four years, where he returned the Bulldog football program to national prominence. UMD, which is a perfect 14-0, will face Northwest Missouri State in this year's NCAA Division II National Championship game Saturday.
