NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University Head Football Coach Art Link announced today that CHRIS ELLIS has been added to his staff as Defensive Line Coach of the Captains. Ellis is a former NFL and Virginia Tech defensive lineman, and will begin his second stint on the Captains coaching staff. He was CNU's Defensive Line Coach and Assistant Special Teams Coach from 2014-2017.
 
The Hampton native had most recently coached the Defensive Ends of the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League since 2019. He was previously the Defensive Ends Coach at the University of New Hampshire from 2017-2019.

"It's exciting to welcome Chris back to the program in a full-time capacity," Link said. "He will have an immediate positive impact on our defensive line, and we can't wait to tap into his extensive experience. It's a great time to be a Captain."
 
Ellis played at Bethel High School and became an all-ACC defensive end while at Virginia Tech. He played in the Sugar and Orange Bowls during his collegiate career with the Hokies. After being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2008 draft, Ellis played for the Bills for three seasons and then spent two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His pro career concluded in the 2012 season playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. Following his playing career, Ellis began his coaching career by spending a season at Frostburg State University as a coaching intern in 2013.

Student-athletes will report for training camp next week and Christopher Newport football kicks off the 2021 season on Saturday, September 4^th, hosting Washington and Lee University. Starting time at TowneBank Stadium is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.