NMU Restructures Football Staff

 

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MARQUETTE -- Courtesy Northern Michigan University Athletics  Northern Michigan University football coach Chris Ostrowsky has hired two assistants and restructured two others on his coaching staff. The new hires are Karl Maslowski, who will coach the linebackers and special teams, and Dane Rowe, who will be the assistant coach on offense. Joe Ballard has been promoted to defensive coordinator after six seasons as an assistant coach on defense. Joe Coniglio takes over run game responsibilities. "I wanted to create great continuity amongst the staff, and I think we've done that," said Ostrowsky. "Joe Ballard will make a seamless transition to defensive   coordinator for our players. He brings tremendous amounts of loyalty, toughness and knowledge to the position. Joe Coniglio will be a great source of energy, based on an unrelenting work ethic, to build upon what we created in year one." Maslowski coached three seasons at Western Kentucky University in the same position he takes on at NMU. He played linebacker for the Hilltoppers from 2000-03. He was a third-team All-American by the Sports Network and Football Gazette and first-team All-Gateway Conference selection. The 2002 WKU team won the NCAA Division I-AA National Championship and Maslowski had an interception in the game, leading to the first touchdown. "Karl brings another proven winner to the program, being a member of a national championship team as a player," Ostrowsky said. "We are excited to see Karl contribute to our defense and special teams, and feel fortunate to add someone with his experience and championship pedigree. We welcome Karl and his family." Before his return to WKU, Maslowski coached two seasons (2008-09) at Miami University (Ohio) as a graduate assistant on defense. He also coached outside linebackers at the College of Holy Cross (Mass.) from 2006-08, semi-pro football in Australia in 2005 and was a student assistant at WKU in 2004. Rowe was a defensive graduate assistant at the University of Wyoming during the 2012 season. He also coached at Merrimack College (Mass.) in the spring of 2012 and spent two seasons (2010-12) at Yale University (Ct.). As a student at the University of New Hampshire (2006-10), Rowe served as a student assistant. "We are excited with Dan's experience in academics from Yale, his Division I experience from Wyoming and his championship experience from New Hampshire," Ostrowsky said. "Dan will be a tremendous addition to our staff and we're excited to have him." Preseason practice begins Aug. 17. The season opener against the University of Findlay takes place at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Superior Dome.