The success of the last couple of seasons have resulted in added responsibility as three veteran assistants on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga staff have been given promotions.
Defensive line coach Marcus West will add the title of assistant head coach, receivers coach Will Healy is now the passing game coordinator and linebackers coach Rusty Wright has been given the title of special teams coordinator.
Besides their on-field work, both West and Healy have long been considered among the best recruiters on staff, helping the Mocs put together consecutive top-rated national signing classes. Wright, a former UTC player, is entering the third year of his second stint on the staff.
"Marcus and Will have been here since the beginning of my tenure and are huge parts of our success," Huesman said. "They both earned these titles with their hard work and proven results in all areas of our program. Rusty already has years of experience leading special teams units."
West has helped produce two Southern Conference Defensive Players of the Year in Josh Beard (2009) and three-time winner Davis Tull (2012-14).
"I think it was a way for coach to say he appreciates us," West said. "I'm honored. It's good to feel like you're appreciated, and I guess this means I bring something to the program."
Healy coached a pair of receivers to All-SoCon honors last season as senior Tommy Hudson and sophomore C.J. Board were both second-team selections. He also coached two-time All-SoCon pick Joel Bradford to become an All American in 2010 and will continue to work closely with offensive coordinator Jeff Durden in planning the offense.
Wright, who has worked with UTC special teams since returning to the staff and was previously special teams coordinator at Miami (Ohio), will now oversee all four areas of special teams -- kickoffs and returns, punting and returns.
Such promotions typically also help young assistants draw the attention of larger programs during a hiring process.
The Mocs are coming off a record breaking season that included a school-record 10 wins, the first undefeated conference record in school history and their first playoff win and first appearance in the FCS quarterfinals.
"I really appreciate Coach Huesman and Coach Durden having the faith and confidence in me to give me this promotion," Healy said. " I look forward to being an asset to the program in any way I can."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.