Posted: 07/16/2012
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh head football coach Andy Coen announced on Tuesday the addition of Vincent Giacalone and Justin Stovall to the coaching staff. Giacalone will serve as Assistant Offensive Line Coach while Stovall takes over as Outside Linebackers Coach. Both have connections to Lehigh and the Patriot League as Giacalone’s brother Frank is a former offensive lineman at Lehigh while Stovall was a standout at Lafayette from 2003-06.
The two replace Greg Keziah and Justin Weaver, who recently departed for positions at Widener University and the University of Chicago, respectively.
Giacalone comes to Lehigh from Carnegie Mellon where he was a three-year varsity letterwinner then Assistant Coach for the past two seasons. While there, he served as Wide Receivers coach in 2010 before working with the tackles and tight ends in 2011. Giacalone was the Offensive Video Coordinator, managing the capture and distribution of games and practices to coaches, players and opponents. He served as Co-Recruiting Coordinator as well.
“Vinny is a very bright and passionate young football coach whom I believe will be an outstanding fit to our staff and will also relate very well to our players,” said Coen. “Vinny is very familiar dealing with student athletes who face the same challenges as our players at Lehigh, managing their time to be the best student and player they can be. I am very excited to welcome Vinny to our Lehigh family.”
Vincent’s brother Frank was a starting offensive lineman for the Mountain Hawks and a member of the 2010 National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame Hampshire Honor Society. The prestigious honor went to senior starters or significant substitutes achieving a 3.2 cumulative GPA throughout the entire course of undergraduate study, and meeting all NCAA-mandated progress towards degree requirements.
“Frank was extremely excited when he came to Lehigh,” said Vincent. “My whole family was able to go through that whole experience again with me. It’s the second go-around for our family.”
Vincent played at Carnegie Mellon from 2005-08, serving as starting tight end during the 2006 season, while also impressing in the classroom. He graduated with a strong 3.3 GPA, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and Policy. Giacalone went on to earn his Education Certification from Chatham College and is expected to finish his Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology (from California University of Pennsylvania) this coming December.
“I’ve always loved teaching and always loved football,” said Vincent. “Coaching is the best of both. Hopefully I’ll be able to help Lehigh football get that next win and take that next step.”
Meanwhile, Stovall comes to Lehigh from Villanova out of the CAA where he was Defensive Assistant during the 2011 season. While there, he assisted the Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator in all areas, working with the scout team offense, special teams and all aspects of film.
“Justin Stovall came very highly recommended to us by [Villanova Coach] Andy Talley and he did a super job in the interview process,” said Coen. “Justin will bring a really high level of intensity to our defensive staff. Our defensive players thrive on playing with intensity and enthusiasm and Justin will only add to that mindset. Justin is also very familiar with the Patriot League; he was an outstanding player for Lafayette.”
Prior to Villanova, Stovall coached at Franklin & Marshall College for three seasons, assisting the Defensive Coordinator. He worked with the development of the linebackers and helped implement the defensive game plan. Stovall was promoted to Special Teams Coordinator in April of 2011, developing and implementing punt return schemes while working with the specialists (long snappers, punters, personal protector). He also had extensive recruiting responsibilities.
“Coming to Lehigh, with how successful the program’s been through the years, it’s an amazing opportunity,” said Stovall. “It’s an opportunity to not only further my career, but also experience the success they’ve been experiencing. Become a part of that and learn a lot of what it takes from a coaching standpoint to build a team.”
Stovall was a four-year letterwinner and three-time Patriot League Champion at Lafayette from 2003-06, leading the Leopards to league titles and FCS Playoff berths in each of his final three seasons. A senior captain in ’06, Stovall played in 46 of 47 career games at both linebacker and special teams. He graduated from Lafayette in 2007 with an impressive 3.23 GPA as an Economics and Business major.
“I think the experience of playing in this league and winning championships as a player will help,” said Stovall. “I hope to bring that mindset and ability to set the tone with the guys, so they understand what it’ll take to accomplish a third straight championship. Last year is gone and this year is a new opportunity.”
“I really like the fact that both of these fine young coaches are very bright, truly want to continue their development as a coach and see our program as a great place to learn and grow,” said Coen.
The Mountain Hawks will open the 2012 season at Goodman Stadium against Monmouth September 1 at 12:30 p.m. To purchase tickets call 610-7LU-GAME or click on the link above.