Spring Break
URI hires alum as new football coach
Jon Brierly
Issue date: 9/12/08 Section: Sports
Before URI hired him, Rizzi coached for six years as the special teams and linebackers coach with Rutgers University. A longtime cellar-dweller in the Big East conference, Rutgers needed the same type of jumpstart Rhode Island football needed. Rizzi and his fellow coaching staff used the same strategy of "changing the culture." Positive attitudes and approach to the game by players, coaches and fans were stressed.
By the end of his tenure at Rutgers, Rizzi had helped guide the Scarlet Knights to their first bowl bid in 2005. The next year, they were ranked as high as No. 7 in the nation and finished No. 12 after capturing their first bowl win in school history.
Rizzi hopes to have the same success at his alma mater. "I bleed Rhody blue," he said. "It's great to be doing this at a place where you love."
He said that football is his passion and doesn't consider it to be work. "I wake up and come out here to do what I love doing," Rizzi said.
The Rams will bring their 1-1 record against No. 10 University of New Hampshire tomorrow at home.
By the end of his tenure at Rutgers, Rizzi had helped guide the Scarlet Knights to their first bowl bid in 2005. The next year, they were ranked as high as No. 7 in the nation and finished No. 12 after capturing their first bowl win in school history.
Rizzi hopes to have the same success at his alma mater. "I bleed Rhody blue," he said. "It's great to be doing this at a place where you love."
He said that football is his passion and doesn't consider it to be work. "I wake up and come out here to do what I love doing," Rizzi said.
The Rams will bring their 1-1 record against No. 10 University of New Hampshire tomorrow at home.
