RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky University head football coach Roy Kidd has announced that he has promoted longtime Colonels' defensive line coach, Jim Tanara, to the position of defensive coordinator.
Tanara recently completed his 20th season as the Colonels' defensive line coach, a position he will still fill with his new post.
"It has generally been my policy to promote from within," said Kidd. "Jim knows our system well and deserves this opportunity.
"He is very enthusiastic about taking this assignment and we believe he will do a good job. Jim is very well-qualified and has a good background in coaching defense. He has had a lot of input in making our defensive game plan over the years."
Before coming to Eastern, Tanara served on Bear Bryant's staff at Alabama for 11 seasons working with the Tide's defensive front. While at Alabama, Tanara was a member of the staff that directed the Tide to two national championships and appearances in 11 bowl games. He also served as Alabama's head wrestling coach for 11 years.
"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to coordinate our defense," Tanara said. "We've had many great defensive teams since I've been here at Eastern and I hope we can continue that tradition of having good defensive units.
"I'm happy that coach Kidd has the confidence in me for this position. It is a great time at Eastern with new leadership in our administration and a new building where our offices will be housed and our weight training and conditioning will be conducted. We're looking forward to spring practice in March."
Tanara replaces Dean Hood, who left this post last week to become secondary coach at Ohio University.