NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Christopher Newport University Head Football Coach Art Link today announced the hiring of CHRIS COSH as the program's new defensive coordinator.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Cosh to Christopher Newport football," Link said. "He brings a wealth of experience from some of the top football programs in the country. We are always looking to improve, and Coach Cosh will work tirelessly to have a positive impact on our student-athletes."

The Hillcrest Heights, MD., native has been a defensive coach since 1983 when he began his career as a student assistant at Virginia Tech. Most recently, Cosh served as the Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach at the University of Delaware, and prior to that as the Defensive Coordinator at the University of Richmond.

Cosh's vast resume includes two stints on the staff at the University of Maryland, as well as two stops at Kansas State University. He has served as defensive coordinator at eight FBS schools, including the University of Illinois, Michigan State University, University of South Carolina, University of Maryland, Kansas State University, University of South Florida, University at Buffalo, and University of North Texas.

The list of coaches he has worked with over the years includes Nick Saban, Lou Holtz, Bill Snyder, and Ralph Friedgen. Cosh has served as a Defensive Coordinator in four of the Power Five conferences (Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12).

Cosh received his bachelor's degree in physical education from Virginia Tech in 1983, and played linebacker for the Hokies from 1977 to 1981. He and his wife, Mary, have two sons, who have followed in their father's football footsteps. J.J. played in college at the U.S. Naval Academy, and is currently a scout for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. Billy played at Kansas State as well as the University of Houston and is currently the Offensive Coordinator at VMI.

Christopher Newport opens the 2021 season on Saturday, September 4^th, hosting Washington and Lee University. Kickoff at TowneBank Stadium is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.