Bowling Green State University Athletics
Meyer Adds Duties to Three Staff Members
April 01, 2002 | Football
April 1, 2002
Bowling Green, Ohio - Bowling Green State University football coach Urban Meyer has added responsibilities to three members of his staff effective immediately.
Defensive coordinator Tim Beckman has been named assistant head coach-defense. Beckman, 37, joined the program in March, 1998, as the coach of the secondary, and he took over in 1999 as the defensive coordinator. In 2001, the Falcons were the MAC's top-ranked unit in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and scoring margin. Nationally, BGSU finished third in the country in turnover margin, seventh nationally against the rush and in interceptions and 22nd overall in total defense. The Falcons posted two shutouts, forced 36 turnovers and held eight opponents under 100 yards rushing. In addition, nose tackle Brandon Hicks earned All-American honors. For his efforts, he has twice been nominated for the Frank Broyles Award, given annually to the nation's top assistant coach, and was a finalist for the award in 2001.
Cornerbacks coach Tommy Thigpen will be the team's special teams coordinator. Thigpen, 31, begins his second year as cornerbacks coach after coming to BGSU from Tennessee State where he was linebackers coach. In 2001, BGSU corners forced nine turnovers, including four interceptions by Janssen Patton, who earned second-team All-MAC honors.
Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales will be the team's co-recruiting coordinator with John Bowers. Gonzales, 30, is in his second year with BGSU. Last year, his top three receivers combined for 19 TD catches and 1,981 yards. Among that group, Robert Redd earned first-team All-MAC honors. He joined the BGSU staff in June, 2001 after spending six years as an assistant coach at Kent State.
"I think we are very fortunate to have such a hard-working and talented coaching staff at Bowling Green State University," said Meyer. "The efforts of these three individuals will be crucial in helping us attain our goal of winning a MAC Championship and representing the league in a bowl game. I'm confident in their abilities to provide outstanding leadership and direction in these areas of our program."
