Nov. 30, 2004

BALTIMORE, MD ? Johns Hopkins University defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Keith Emery has been named the NCAA Division III Assistant Coach-of-the-Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) it was announced today. Emery is the first Johns Hopkins assistant coach to earn this prestigious honor and he is one of five individuals who will be honored at the upcoming AFCA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The AFCA Assistant Coach-of-the-Year program began in 1997.

"We have been fortunate to have a long line of outstanding defensive coordinators here and Keith quickly put his stamp on the position when we promoted him several years ago," Johns Hopkins head coach Jim Margraff noted. "Our recent success has been due, in large part, to the nationally-prominent defense Keith has built. We have always stressed the team concept, but this is an outstanding accomplishment for tremendous young football coach."

Emery recently completed his seventh season at Johns Hopkins, including his fourth as the Blue Jays' defensive coordinator. Emery's unit has ranked among the nation's best in numerous categories since he took over in 2001. In his first season as the defensive coordinator Johns Hopkins led the nation in pass efficiency defense and became the first NCAA Division III team since 1980 to go through an entire season without allowing a touchdown pass. Hopkins again led the nation in pass efficiency defense in 2003 as the Blue Jays intercepted 28 passes while allowing just two touchdown passes in 11 games. The 2003 squad also finished second in the nation in scoring defense (7.0 points/game) and eighth in total defense (242.4 yards/game).

Working with a defense that consisted of just two seniors this season, Emery helped lead the Blue Jays to a third consecutive share of the Centennial Conference Championship and the ECAC Southeast Championship (JHU's third straight ECAC title). The Blue Jays allowed more than 17 points just once on the year and ranked among the national leaders in rushing defense and scoring defense throughout the season. The Blue Jays have posted a 34-8 record since Emery took over as defensive coordinator and have held 28 of their 42 opponents during that time to 14 points or less.

The criteria for the award are not limited to on-field coaching ability and the success of the team and players the coaches work with. Service to the community through charitable work and other volunteer activities, participation in AFCA activities and events, participation in other professional organizations and impact on student-athletes are all taken into account in the selection process.

In addition to Emery's impressive list of on-field accomplishments he has been active in other areas as well. He serves as the Assistant Director of the Johns Hopkins Summer Camp, a six-week sports camp held at the University for children of Hopkins employees and members of the local community. He is also a very active member of his church and has been a member of the AFCA Division III Coaches Committee for the last two years.

Joining Emery as this year's AFCA Assistant Coaches-of-the-Year are: Brian White (NCAA I-A / Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs Coach - Wisconsin), Tony Pierce (NCAA I-AA / Defensive Coordinator - Alabama State), Brian Hughes (NCAA II / Offensive Coordinator - C.W. Post) and Nick Howlett (NAIA / Offensive Coordinator & Quarterbacks Coach / Carroll College (Montana)).

"Once again, five outstanding assistant coaches have been selected for their dedication, not only to their teams, but to their communities," said Executive Director Grant Teaff. "Often times, the head coach receives much of the credit for his team's success. Any head coach is only as good as his assistants. Much of an assistant coach's work is done behind the scenes. It is our pleasure to bring it to the forefront."

Winners of the Assistant Coach of the Year award will receive a plaque to commemorate the award and an educational stipend to the 2005 AFCA Convention or any other professional development clinic/convention of their choice. They will be honored at the AFCA Kickoff Luncheon, Monday, January 10 at the 2005 AFCA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

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