Bowling Green State University Athletics
Jinks Begins Building Coaching Staff
December 17, 2015 | Football
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – New Bowling Green State University head football coach Mike Jinks has begun building his coaching staff, announcing seven members of his staff this morning. In addition to Mike Mickens and Andrew Sowder, Jinks has hired Perry Eliano, Kevin Kilmer, Andy Padron, Marcus White and Ryan Downard.
"I'm excited to have begun building my coaching and support staff here at Bowling Green State University," Jinks stated. "It was important to get staff in place quickly so that we could take advantage of the recruiting period. I will continue to work on building my staff in the coming days and we will all be ready to hit the ground running. We are excited to be Falcons and can't wait to get started leading this program."
Perry Eliano (Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)
Perry Eliano has been hired by Mike Jinks and will serve as the Falcons' Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, coaching the safeties. Eliano comes to Bowling Green after coaching the past five seasons at the University of Texas-San Antonio. At UTSA, Eliano was the special teams coordinator and coached safeties.
"My family and I are excited about the awesome opportunity we have to be a part of such a phenomenal university," said Eliano. "We are looking forward to embracing the great tradition here at BGSU. We will be relentless in everything we do!"
Last season, Eliano mentored a defensive backfield which had 14 interceptions. Under Jinks, Eliano will take over an already aggressive defense and turn up the heat, as the Falcons have had 20 interceptions in 2015. Eliano coached two players who earned All-CUSA honors in cornerback Bennett Okotcha (second team) and safety Michael Egwuagu (honorable mention).
In 2014, Eliano helped lead a defense that ranked in the Conference USA top five in five different statistical categories, including second in rushing defense (140.8 ypg). UTSA forced 19 turnovers (10 fumbles/9 INTs) with his safeties combining for seven of the picks. Free safety Triston Wade was one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation's top defensive back) — a program first — and he also garnered second-team all-conference honors after registering team highs for tackles (86), interceptions (4), pass breakups (10) and fumble recoveries (2). Wade signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in May 2015.
Eliano's special teams also excelled in 2014, as the Roadrunners led the league in net punting (39.3 avg.) on the strength of honorable mention all-conference punter Kristian Stern, who set school records for punts (83) and punting average (41.2), and were tied for third in field goals behind second-team all-conference place-kicker Sean Ianno, who made 17-of-21, including a school-record 53-yarder against Florida Atlantic, along with registering 16 touchbacks on kickoffs. Deep snapper Jesse Medrano also collected second-team all-conference honors.
In 2013, Eliano helped lead UTSA to a 7-5 overall record, including victories over a pair of bowl teams. The Roadrunners finished second in the West Division with a 6-2 mark in their first season in Conference USA. He helped tutor a defense that forced 14 turnovers (6 fumbles/8 INTs), with the safeties combining for six of the picks, and allowed just 143.1 rushing yards per game. Wade led the team in tackles (94), solo tackles (54) and interceptions (two), while Nic Johnston was third in stops (70). On special teams, Ianno established a school record for touchbacks with 21 and connected on all 38 of his extra-point attempts. Wade earned second-team All-Conference USA honors, while Johnston and Stern were honorable mention all-conference.
In 2012, Eliano helped lead UTSA to an 8-4 overall record and a 3-3 mark in its first and only season in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The campaign was highlighted by historic wins against South Alabama, the program's first road and Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) victory, and New Mexico State, its first league win. The defense forced 29 turnovers (16 fumbles/13 interceptions), which led to 22 scores (15 TDs/7 FGs), and Wade garnered first-team All-WAC accolades.
In his first year overseeing special teams, the placekickers combined to make 15-of-19 field goals and all 45 PATs. Kenny Harrison finished second in the FBS in punt return average (17.3), had a program-record 79-yard TD return in the season-ending victory against I-35 rival Texas State and was an honorable mention all-league selection..
Eliano helped lead the Roadrunners to a 4-6 record during their inaugural campaign in 2011. The defense allowed just 21.4 points and 126.2 yards rushing per game and forced 21 turnovers (11 fumbles, 10 interceptions), which led to 15 scores. His safeties recovered six fumbles — three by Johnston — and picked off five passes. Additionally, three of the team's top five tacklers were in his unit — Mark Waters (68/2nd), Johnston (59/4th) and Mauricio Sanchez (44/5th).
Prior to his time on the Roadrunners coaching staff, Eliano was an assistant at Central Arkansas from 2006-10. He coached defensive backs throughout his tenure and was named associate head coach prior to his final season. Eliano coached the 2005 season as Sam Houston State's secondary coach after an earlier two-season stint at Central Arkansas as the running backs and wide receivers coach. Eliano coached wide receiver Mike Norvell at Central Arkansas, who was recently hired as Memphis' head coach.
A Killeen, Texas native, Eliano got his coaching start as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Stephen F. Austin, from 2001-02. Eliano played linebacker for the Lumberjacks from 1996-99. He was the team's Defensive Most Valuable Player and leading tackler in both 1998 and '99. Playing strong safety as a senior, he registered a team-high 99 tackles to help guide the Lumberjacks to the Southland Championship and was named all-conference following that campaign. He also was named the Ralph Todd Award (University Outstanding Male Athlete) winner the following spring.
A standout prep defensive back, Eliano was a three-year letterwinner at Ellison High School from 1993-95. He earned all-state honors following his senior season after helping the Eagles reach the Class 5A state quarterfinals.
Eliano earned his bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin in 2000 and a master's in secondary education three years later. He and his wife, Regenia, have two sons, Amari and Evan.
Kevin Kilmer (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers)
Kevin Kilmer will join the staff of new head coach Mike Jinks as the Co-Offensive Coordinator. He will work with the Falcons' wide receivers.
"I'm fired up to be part of the BG family," Kilmer commented. "I can't wait to get out on the field with the players. I'm very thankful for the opportunity from Coach Jinks and BGSU."
Kilmer spent last season at Texas Tech as the offensive quality control coach, after previously serving as an offensive graduate assistant for the Red Raiders.
Kilmer, who graduated from Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2011 and a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2015, has been at TTU since 2007. He began his coaching career as a student assistant under Mike Leach, who is currently the head coach at Washington State. He has also worked for Tommy Tuberville – currently at Cincinnati – and Kliff Kingsbury.
The Red Raiders have been to a bowl game in seven of nine seasons with Kilmer on the staff, as he is no stranger to postseason success. During his time with the program, he has coached the quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs. Besides working under the three Texas Tech head coaches, Kilmer has worked alongside of Lincoln Riley (currently Offensive Coordinator at Oklahoma), Neal Brown (currently Head Coach at Troy) and most recently, Jinks.
Kilmer has been responsible for film breakdown and game planning during the past year as Offensive Quality Control. On game day, he charted the defense and also helped organize recruiting visits for the Red Raiders. He has also served as the Kliff Kingsbury Football Summer Camps Director, responsible for all aspects of the camp.
Kilmer, a native of Slaton, Texas, is married to his wife Jaryn. The couple was married in March of 2014.
Mike Mickens (Cornerbacks)
Mike Mickens will enter his third season as the Falcons' cornerbacks coach in 2016, under new head coach Mike Jinks. Mickens came to BGSU under former head coach Dino Babers prior to the 2014 campaign.
"I am excited to continue on at BGSU in my home state working for Coach Jinks," Mickens said. "I'm sure that Coach Jinks is going to build upon the current success at this great university. Along with an explosive offensive system and aggressive defensive philosophy, Coach Jinks emphasizes class both on and off the field and will be a great leader for this team. Go Falcons!"
Mickens mentored a young group of cornerbacks in 2015, yet the Falcons' defense saw improvement in passing yards allowed, first downs allowed, scoring defense and total defense. The Falcons returned fifth-year senior Darrell Hunter at cornerback, but he suffered a season-ending injury in week two and in stepped walk-on Alfonso Mack. Mack led the team in interceptions with six. Sophomore Clint Stephens started all 14 games at the other corner spot, totaling 60 tackles, two interceptions and a team-high seven pass breakups.
The 2014 season featured several milestones for Mickens' cornerbacks. Jude Adjei-Barimah, who made the switch after playing rover in 2013, finished third on the team with 82 tackles. He was also third on the team with 12 passes defensed. Adjei-Barimah signed a free agent deal with the Tampa Bay Bucs prior to the 2015 season.
Mickens mentored two true freshmen cornerbacks in 2014 who combined for nine interceptions. Nick Johnson finished the year with five interceptions – tied for most in school history among true freshman with Martin Bayless (1980). Along with Stephens, the pair of corners were the only two true freshmen in the nation to record more than four interceptions on the season.
Mickens came to Bowling Green from Idaho, where he coached under head coach Paul Petrino. He has previously coached at Indiana State and Cincinnati, prior to his time at Idaho.
He was drafted by Dallas in the 2009 NFL Draft. He wound up playing for both Tampa Bay and Cincinnati as well as the Calgary Stampeders before retiring because of injury.
As a collegian, he left Cincinnati as the career leader in interceptions (14) as well as interception return yards (296). He was named an All-American in 2007 and 2008 and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. Additionally Mickens was named All-Big East four times during his career, twice on the first team and twice on the second team.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Mickens is a graduate of Wayne High School where he was a two-time All-Greater Western Ohio Conference cornerback and helped the Warriors to a 24-9 record as well as two league titles during his three seasons. He recorded 205 tackles, 10 interceptions and returned a kickoff for a touchdown and won the Ohio State 300-meter hurdles championship as a junior.
He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Cincinnati in 2011 and is married to his wife, Jessica.
Andy Padron (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks)
Andy Padron comes to Bowling Green to join the coaching staff of head coach Mike Jinks after coaching the past six seasons at Texas Lutheran University. Padron will be the Falcons' Co-Offensive Coordinator, responsible for the quarterbacks.
"My wife and I are extremely excited to be joining the Bowling Green community and the Falcon coaching staff," Padron started. "We are ready to get to BGSU and continue building upon the winning tradition!"
Padron joined his father, TLU Head Football Coach Danny Padron, on the coaching staff of the Bulldogs when he accepted the head coaching position in January 2010. The younger Padron handled the play-calling duties in 2011 as the quarterbacks coach and has continued in that duty to present day. He was elevated to offensive coordinator following the 2011 season.
In his six seasons with the Bulldogs, Padron coached an offense and individual players that combined to set 49 new TLU team and individual records.
After inheriting a program that went 6-24 in the three previous seasons, Padron helped engineer a turn-around that produced a 38-22 overall record over the next six seasons.
The Bulldogs won three Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships, claimed a 2014 NCAA Division III Championship playoff berth, and received repeated Top 25 national rankings.
The 2015 TLU Bulldogs won a third straight Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship and led the SCAC in nearly every offensive category. The Bulldogs went 3-0 in the SCAC and 8-2 overall, just missing out on an NCAA DIII at-large playoff berth.
As the team's quarterbacks coach, Padron guided TLU QB Trenton White to the 2015 SCAC Offensive Player of the Year award. White set the new TLU school record for career passing touchdowns (61).
White led the SCAC in passing yards, passing yards per game, completions (TLU single-season record 207), attempts, completion percentage and touchdowns. White finished second in TLU history in career passing yards (5,874) and completion percentage (62.7).
Among all NCAA DIII schools in 2015, the Bulldogs currently rank 22nd in total offense, 32nd in passing offense, 21st in scoring offense, 29th in first downs, 14th in red zone offense, 11th in time of possession, and 18th in completion percentage.
The 2014 TLU Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs as an at-large bid team. The 2014 NCAA playoff appearance was TLU's first in NCAA DIII and the first in program history since the 1976 NAIA-II national semifinal.
The Bulldogs, 17th in the AFCA Coaches' Poll at the end of the 2014 regular season, fell 27-20 in the NCAA Football Championship first round to No. 2-ranked University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, in a game played at UMHB's Crusader Stadium over a weather-delayed two days.
The Bulldogs won a second consecutive SCAC Championship in 2014 behind an offense that (after 11 games) was ninth nationally in total offense (498.0 ypg), 14th in rushing offense (261.8 ypg), 19th in scoring offense (40.5 ppg), fourth in first downs offense (288), 31st in red zone offense (.864) and 21st in time of possession (1,995 minutes).
TLU running back Marquis Barrolle led all of NCAA Division III in rushing after 11 games, posting 1,792 rushing yards (a school record) on 297 carries (another school record). In the DIII playoff game against UMHB, Barrolle carried the ball a conference and school record 50 times for 224 yards against the then No. 14-ranked UMHB run defense.
In 2012, Padron and Bulldogs set new school team records for passing yards (3,253), passing yards per game (325.3), total offense per game (480.9), total offense in a single game (616, vs. Sul Ross State on Oct. 13) and for touchdown passes in a season (29).
The record book onslaught by the TLU Offense continued in 2013. On their way to the SCAC Championship, the Bulldogs led the league in total offense, rushing offense, passing offense, scoring offense, turnover margin, passing efficiency, fewest turnovers lost, fewest passes intercepted, first downs, third and fourth-down conversions, red zone offense, and pass completion percentage.
Nationally, the Bulldogs of 2013 had the third-best total offense (521.2 yards per game) in all of NCAA DIII. The Bulldogs also ranked ninth in passing offense (326.7), sixth in scoring offense (46.1), 14th in team passing efficiency (155.84 rating), 33rd in first downs (237), 24th in fourth-down conversion rate (.613), 40th in time of possession, and 27th in completion percentage (.643).
Padron coached TLU quarterback Brent Peavy to multiple individual school records and to the SCAC Offensive Player of the Year award. The Bulldogs of 2013 set new school records for passing yards per game, total offense per game, points per game, TD passes, and TDs per game.
Padron is a 2007 graduate of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he starred as a quarterback and helped UMHB to the NCAA Division III National Championship game in 2004.
Padron was a part of Cru football squads that went 41-8 from 2003 to 2006 and won four American Southwest Conference Championships.
Padron and his wife Sarah, a Texas Lutheran grad, were married in 2013.
Andrew Sowder (Outside Receivers)
Andrew Sowder will continue to serve as the program's wide receivers coach under first-year head coach Mike Jinks. Sowder, who will enter his third season at Bowling Green in 2016, came to Northwest Ohio as part of former head coach Dino Babers' staff.
"I'm first of all thankful to Coach Babers for the opportunity to come to BGSU two years ago," Sowder commented. "I look forward to continuing on here with Coach Jinks. He will do a great job here and will continue the championship culture. I am excited to continue my relationships with the players here and to work with such a great group of student-athletes in the wide receivers."
In 2015, Sowder mentored one of the top receiving groups in the nation as both of the Falcons' starting outside receivers were named All-MAC. Sophomore Roger Lewis was named first team All-MAC for the second straight season, totaling 1,456 yards and 15 touchdowns entering the GoDaddy Bowl. Gehrig Dieter, who enters the GoDaddy Bowl with 957 yards and nine touchdowns, leads the Falcons with 89 receptions. Dieter was named second team All-MAC.
Prior to coming to BGSU, Sowder spent two seasons at EIU where he was responsible for the outside receivers. After serving as Director of Player Personnel & Recruiting in 2014, Sowder moved back on the field in a coaching role for the 2015 season.
A main role that Sowder filled on the Falcons' support staff is that of the recruiting coordinator. Under Sowder's direction, the Falcons' coaching staff secured 21 student-athletes in their 2015 recruiting class. Sowder was responsible for scheduling recruiting travel, official visits, and managing the recruiting process for the Orange and Brown.
2013 was a banner year for the receiving core at EIU. Sowder coached the outside receivers, as the Panthers caught 395 passes for 5,213 yards and 55 touchdowns. EIU's receivers averaged 13.2 yards per catch and 372.4 yards per game during the school-record breaking season.
During the 2012 season Sowder helped coach a wide receiver unit that hauled in a previous school record 341 passes for 4,019 yards and 34 touchdowns. The outside group was led by seniors Chris Wright and Chavar Watkins. Wright matched the OVC record for consecutive games with a touchdown reception as he finished in the EIU career top ten in yards, receptions and touchdown catches.
Sowder was a student coach at Baylor assisting with the wide receivers and special teams in 2009 and 2010 following a playing career with the Bears.
During the 2011 season Sowder worked as the running backs coach at West Texas A&M with the team posting an 8-3 record including a win over Central Missouri in the Kanza Bowl. He coached running back Khiry Robinson who was the MVP of the Kanza Bowl and is now a member of the New Orleans Saints.
Sowder is very familiar with the spread offensive system having played and coached under Art Briles. He was a tight end at Baylor during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. In August of 2009 he became a student coach assisting Dino Babers with the wide receivers and tight ends. Baylor ended the season with an appearance in the Texas Bowl as the offensive unit ranked 12th in the nation in total offense.
Sowder earned his undergraduate degree from Baylor in 2011 in film/digital media.
Marcus White (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line)
Marcus White joins Mike Jinks staff at Bowling Green as the Co-Defensive Coordinator. White, who coached the 2015 season at Faulkner University, will coach the defensive line for the Falcons. Jinks and White previously worked together at Texas Tech, as White served the Red Raiders in an off-the-field role the two seasons prior.
"What an honor it is to be able to coach at such a prestigious university such as Bowling Green," White began. "It's not every day that you get to be a part of a program with such a storied tradition and record of excellence both on and off the field. I want to thanks Coach Jinks, Chris Kingston and his administration for affording me and my family such a great opportunity."
White, a former player at Auburn and Murray State, joined the Faulkner staff as the defensive line coach prior to the 2015 season. In 2015, Faulkner went 7-3 and won their final four games of the season. The Eagles totaled 103.0 tackles for loss and 48.0 sacks. Freshman Qunn Johnson was named Mid-South Conference's West Division defensive Freshman of the Year, registering 45 tackles, 8.5 TFL, and 5.5 sacks. Additionally, defensive lineman Tony Threatt was named first team All-MSC after totaling 51 tackles, 11.5 TFL and 8.5 sacks. Johnson was named second team All-MSC.
Having originally signed with Auburn, White transferred prior to the 2003 season to Murray State, where he was an All-Ohio Valley Conference selection for three years. White was a member of the NFL's Tennessee Titans from 2005-2007 before concluding his professional career in the Arena Football League.
A graduate of Murray State, White was an offensive analyst at Texas Tech prior to his time at Faulkner. He served as an offensive quality control assistant at Houston in 2012, Tarleton State's offensive line coach in '11 and worked another year at Houston in '10 as an offensive graduate assistant. A Theodore, Ala., product, he was an assistant at St. Paul's Episcopal in Mobile, Ala., in '09 and the defensive line coach at Jackson Olin High in Birmingham, Ala., in '08.
White and his wife, Jaunelle, have three daughters - MaKiah, Jailyn, and Layla.
Ryan Downard (Director of Football Operations)
Ryan Downard joins the staff of new Bowling Green head football coach Mike Jinks as the Director of Football Operations. Downard comes to Bowling Green after serving as a defensive coaching assistant with the Cleveland Browns during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
"My family and I are extremely excited to be a part of the Falcon family," Downard started. "I look forward to being back in the Mid-American Conference with Coach Jinks and the incredible staff he has put together."
While with the Browns organization, Downard has assisted with both the defensive backs (2015) and defensive line (2014). He was responsible for working with the position groups during individual periods and conducted rookie meetings. He also led special teams drills for gunners, corners and safeties.
Another key administrative role that Downard filled while with the Browns was interviewing combine participants prior to the NFL Draft. He also recruited Free Agents for NFL Mini Camp. During the season, Downard was responsible for game week preparations, including game plan, film breakdown, practice cards, scouting reports and call sheets.
Prior to his two seasons with the Browns, Downard served as a graduate assistant at both Texas Tech and Toledo. While at Texas Tech, Downard worked with Co-Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith. He also coached two positions on the special teams' units and was involved with all on-campus recruiting visits and dinners. While at the University of Toledo as a graduate assistant, Downard assisted current head coach Jason Candle.
At Bowling Green, Downard will handle the non-coaching activities of the Falcon football program. This includes departmental budget, personnel and staffing, academics, team travel, summer camps and all other day-to-day operations. Downard will also be the football program's liaison to the University Administration and all other units within the BGSU Athletics Department.
A native of Lima, Ohio, Downard graduated from Shawnee High School and Eastern Michigan University. While at EMU, he earned multiple MAC Player of the Week awards, was a team captain, and earned freshman All-America honors as a defensive back. Downard is married to his wife, Julie, and the couple has a son – Jaxon.
"I'm excited to have begun building my coaching and support staff here at Bowling Green State University," Jinks stated. "It was important to get staff in place quickly so that we could take advantage of the recruiting period. I will continue to work on building my staff in the coming days and we will all be ready to hit the ground running. We are excited to be Falcons and can't wait to get started leading this program."
Perry Eliano (Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)Perry Eliano has been hired by Mike Jinks and will serve as the Falcons' Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, coaching the safeties. Eliano comes to Bowling Green after coaching the past five seasons at the University of Texas-San Antonio. At UTSA, Eliano was the special teams coordinator and coached safeties.
"My family and I are excited about the awesome opportunity we have to be a part of such a phenomenal university," said Eliano. "We are looking forward to embracing the great tradition here at BGSU. We will be relentless in everything we do!"
Last season, Eliano mentored a defensive backfield which had 14 interceptions. Under Jinks, Eliano will take over an already aggressive defense and turn up the heat, as the Falcons have had 20 interceptions in 2015. Eliano coached two players who earned All-CUSA honors in cornerback Bennett Okotcha (second team) and safety Michael Egwuagu (honorable mention).
In 2014, Eliano helped lead a defense that ranked in the Conference USA top five in five different statistical categories, including second in rushing defense (140.8 ypg). UTSA forced 19 turnovers (10 fumbles/9 INTs) with his safeties combining for seven of the picks. Free safety Triston Wade was one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation's top defensive back) — a program first — and he also garnered second-team all-conference honors after registering team highs for tackles (86), interceptions (4), pass breakups (10) and fumble recoveries (2). Wade signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in May 2015.
Eliano's special teams also excelled in 2014, as the Roadrunners led the league in net punting (39.3 avg.) on the strength of honorable mention all-conference punter Kristian Stern, who set school records for punts (83) and punting average (41.2), and were tied for third in field goals behind second-team all-conference place-kicker Sean Ianno, who made 17-of-21, including a school-record 53-yarder against Florida Atlantic, along with registering 16 touchbacks on kickoffs. Deep snapper Jesse Medrano also collected second-team all-conference honors.
In 2013, Eliano helped lead UTSA to a 7-5 overall record, including victories over a pair of bowl teams. The Roadrunners finished second in the West Division with a 6-2 mark in their first season in Conference USA. He helped tutor a defense that forced 14 turnovers (6 fumbles/8 INTs), with the safeties combining for six of the picks, and allowed just 143.1 rushing yards per game. Wade led the team in tackles (94), solo tackles (54) and interceptions (two), while Nic Johnston was third in stops (70). On special teams, Ianno established a school record for touchbacks with 21 and connected on all 38 of his extra-point attempts. Wade earned second-team All-Conference USA honors, while Johnston and Stern were honorable mention all-conference.
In 2012, Eliano helped lead UTSA to an 8-4 overall record and a 3-3 mark in its first and only season in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The campaign was highlighted by historic wins against South Alabama, the program's first road and Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) victory, and New Mexico State, its first league win. The defense forced 29 turnovers (16 fumbles/13 interceptions), which led to 22 scores (15 TDs/7 FGs), and Wade garnered first-team All-WAC accolades.
In his first year overseeing special teams, the placekickers combined to make 15-of-19 field goals and all 45 PATs. Kenny Harrison finished second in the FBS in punt return average (17.3), had a program-record 79-yard TD return in the season-ending victory against I-35 rival Texas State and was an honorable mention all-league selection..
Eliano helped lead the Roadrunners to a 4-6 record during their inaugural campaign in 2011. The defense allowed just 21.4 points and 126.2 yards rushing per game and forced 21 turnovers (11 fumbles, 10 interceptions), which led to 15 scores. His safeties recovered six fumbles — three by Johnston — and picked off five passes. Additionally, three of the team's top five tacklers were in his unit — Mark Waters (68/2nd), Johnston (59/4th) and Mauricio Sanchez (44/5th).
Prior to his time on the Roadrunners coaching staff, Eliano was an assistant at Central Arkansas from 2006-10. He coached defensive backs throughout his tenure and was named associate head coach prior to his final season. Eliano coached the 2005 season as Sam Houston State's secondary coach after an earlier two-season stint at Central Arkansas as the running backs and wide receivers coach. Eliano coached wide receiver Mike Norvell at Central Arkansas, who was recently hired as Memphis' head coach.
A Killeen, Texas native, Eliano got his coaching start as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Stephen F. Austin, from 2001-02. Eliano played linebacker for the Lumberjacks from 1996-99. He was the team's Defensive Most Valuable Player and leading tackler in both 1998 and '99. Playing strong safety as a senior, he registered a team-high 99 tackles to help guide the Lumberjacks to the Southland Championship and was named all-conference following that campaign. He also was named the Ralph Todd Award (University Outstanding Male Athlete) winner the following spring.
A standout prep defensive back, Eliano was a three-year letterwinner at Ellison High School from 1993-95. He earned all-state honors following his senior season after helping the Eagles reach the Class 5A state quarterfinals.
Eliano earned his bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin in 2000 and a master's in secondary education three years later. He and his wife, Regenia, have two sons, Amari and Evan.
Kevin Kilmer (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers)Kevin Kilmer will join the staff of new head coach Mike Jinks as the Co-Offensive Coordinator. He will work with the Falcons' wide receivers.
"I'm fired up to be part of the BG family," Kilmer commented. "I can't wait to get out on the field with the players. I'm very thankful for the opportunity from Coach Jinks and BGSU."
Kilmer spent last season at Texas Tech as the offensive quality control coach, after previously serving as an offensive graduate assistant for the Red Raiders.
Kilmer, who graduated from Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2011 and a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2015, has been at TTU since 2007. He began his coaching career as a student assistant under Mike Leach, who is currently the head coach at Washington State. He has also worked for Tommy Tuberville – currently at Cincinnati – and Kliff Kingsbury.
The Red Raiders have been to a bowl game in seven of nine seasons with Kilmer on the staff, as he is no stranger to postseason success. During his time with the program, he has coached the quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs. Besides working under the three Texas Tech head coaches, Kilmer has worked alongside of Lincoln Riley (currently Offensive Coordinator at Oklahoma), Neal Brown (currently Head Coach at Troy) and most recently, Jinks.
Kilmer has been responsible for film breakdown and game planning during the past year as Offensive Quality Control. On game day, he charted the defense and also helped organize recruiting visits for the Red Raiders. He has also served as the Kliff Kingsbury Football Summer Camps Director, responsible for all aspects of the camp.
Kilmer, a native of Slaton, Texas, is married to his wife Jaryn. The couple was married in March of 2014.
Mike Mickens (Cornerbacks)Mike Mickens will enter his third season as the Falcons' cornerbacks coach in 2016, under new head coach Mike Jinks. Mickens came to BGSU under former head coach Dino Babers prior to the 2014 campaign.
"I am excited to continue on at BGSU in my home state working for Coach Jinks," Mickens said. "I'm sure that Coach Jinks is going to build upon the current success at this great university. Along with an explosive offensive system and aggressive defensive philosophy, Coach Jinks emphasizes class both on and off the field and will be a great leader for this team. Go Falcons!"
Mickens mentored a young group of cornerbacks in 2015, yet the Falcons' defense saw improvement in passing yards allowed, first downs allowed, scoring defense and total defense. The Falcons returned fifth-year senior Darrell Hunter at cornerback, but he suffered a season-ending injury in week two and in stepped walk-on Alfonso Mack. Mack led the team in interceptions with six. Sophomore Clint Stephens started all 14 games at the other corner spot, totaling 60 tackles, two interceptions and a team-high seven pass breakups.
The 2014 season featured several milestones for Mickens' cornerbacks. Jude Adjei-Barimah, who made the switch after playing rover in 2013, finished third on the team with 82 tackles. He was also third on the team with 12 passes defensed. Adjei-Barimah signed a free agent deal with the Tampa Bay Bucs prior to the 2015 season.
Mickens mentored two true freshmen cornerbacks in 2014 who combined for nine interceptions. Nick Johnson finished the year with five interceptions – tied for most in school history among true freshman with Martin Bayless (1980). Along with Stephens, the pair of corners were the only two true freshmen in the nation to record more than four interceptions on the season.
Mickens came to Bowling Green from Idaho, where he coached under head coach Paul Petrino. He has previously coached at Indiana State and Cincinnati, prior to his time at Idaho.
He was drafted by Dallas in the 2009 NFL Draft. He wound up playing for both Tampa Bay and Cincinnati as well as the Calgary Stampeders before retiring because of injury.
As a collegian, he left Cincinnati as the career leader in interceptions (14) as well as interception return yards (296). He was named an All-American in 2007 and 2008 and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. Additionally Mickens was named All-Big East four times during his career, twice on the first team and twice on the second team.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Mickens is a graduate of Wayne High School where he was a two-time All-Greater Western Ohio Conference cornerback and helped the Warriors to a 24-9 record as well as two league titles during his three seasons. He recorded 205 tackles, 10 interceptions and returned a kickoff for a touchdown and won the Ohio State 300-meter hurdles championship as a junior.
He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Cincinnati in 2011 and is married to his wife, Jessica.
Andy Padron (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks)Andy Padron comes to Bowling Green to join the coaching staff of head coach Mike Jinks after coaching the past six seasons at Texas Lutheran University. Padron will be the Falcons' Co-Offensive Coordinator, responsible for the quarterbacks.
"My wife and I are extremely excited to be joining the Bowling Green community and the Falcon coaching staff," Padron started. "We are ready to get to BGSU and continue building upon the winning tradition!"
Padron joined his father, TLU Head Football Coach Danny Padron, on the coaching staff of the Bulldogs when he accepted the head coaching position in January 2010. The younger Padron handled the play-calling duties in 2011 as the quarterbacks coach and has continued in that duty to present day. He was elevated to offensive coordinator following the 2011 season.
In his six seasons with the Bulldogs, Padron coached an offense and individual players that combined to set 49 new TLU team and individual records.
After inheriting a program that went 6-24 in the three previous seasons, Padron helped engineer a turn-around that produced a 38-22 overall record over the next six seasons.
The Bulldogs won three Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships, claimed a 2014 NCAA Division III Championship playoff berth, and received repeated Top 25 national rankings.
The 2015 TLU Bulldogs won a third straight Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship and led the SCAC in nearly every offensive category. The Bulldogs went 3-0 in the SCAC and 8-2 overall, just missing out on an NCAA DIII at-large playoff berth.
As the team's quarterbacks coach, Padron guided TLU QB Trenton White to the 2015 SCAC Offensive Player of the Year award. White set the new TLU school record for career passing touchdowns (61).
White led the SCAC in passing yards, passing yards per game, completions (TLU single-season record 207), attempts, completion percentage and touchdowns. White finished second in TLU history in career passing yards (5,874) and completion percentage (62.7).
Among all NCAA DIII schools in 2015, the Bulldogs currently rank 22nd in total offense, 32nd in passing offense, 21st in scoring offense, 29th in first downs, 14th in red zone offense, 11th in time of possession, and 18th in completion percentage.
The 2014 TLU Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs as an at-large bid team. The 2014 NCAA playoff appearance was TLU's first in NCAA DIII and the first in program history since the 1976 NAIA-II national semifinal.
The Bulldogs, 17th in the AFCA Coaches' Poll at the end of the 2014 regular season, fell 27-20 in the NCAA Football Championship first round to No. 2-ranked University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, in a game played at UMHB's Crusader Stadium over a weather-delayed two days.
The Bulldogs won a second consecutive SCAC Championship in 2014 behind an offense that (after 11 games) was ninth nationally in total offense (498.0 ypg), 14th in rushing offense (261.8 ypg), 19th in scoring offense (40.5 ppg), fourth in first downs offense (288), 31st in red zone offense (.864) and 21st in time of possession (1,995 minutes).
TLU running back Marquis Barrolle led all of NCAA Division III in rushing after 11 games, posting 1,792 rushing yards (a school record) on 297 carries (another school record). In the DIII playoff game against UMHB, Barrolle carried the ball a conference and school record 50 times for 224 yards against the then No. 14-ranked UMHB run defense.
In 2012, Padron and Bulldogs set new school team records for passing yards (3,253), passing yards per game (325.3), total offense per game (480.9), total offense in a single game (616, vs. Sul Ross State on Oct. 13) and for touchdown passes in a season (29).
The record book onslaught by the TLU Offense continued in 2013. On their way to the SCAC Championship, the Bulldogs led the league in total offense, rushing offense, passing offense, scoring offense, turnover margin, passing efficiency, fewest turnovers lost, fewest passes intercepted, first downs, third and fourth-down conversions, red zone offense, and pass completion percentage.
Nationally, the Bulldogs of 2013 had the third-best total offense (521.2 yards per game) in all of NCAA DIII. The Bulldogs also ranked ninth in passing offense (326.7), sixth in scoring offense (46.1), 14th in team passing efficiency (155.84 rating), 33rd in first downs (237), 24th in fourth-down conversion rate (.613), 40th in time of possession, and 27th in completion percentage (.643).
Padron coached TLU quarterback Brent Peavy to multiple individual school records and to the SCAC Offensive Player of the Year award. The Bulldogs of 2013 set new school records for passing yards per game, total offense per game, points per game, TD passes, and TDs per game.
Padron is a 2007 graduate of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he starred as a quarterback and helped UMHB to the NCAA Division III National Championship game in 2004.
Padron was a part of Cru football squads that went 41-8 from 2003 to 2006 and won four American Southwest Conference Championships.
Padron and his wife Sarah, a Texas Lutheran grad, were married in 2013.
Andrew Sowder (Outside Receivers)Andrew Sowder will continue to serve as the program's wide receivers coach under first-year head coach Mike Jinks. Sowder, who will enter his third season at Bowling Green in 2016, came to Northwest Ohio as part of former head coach Dino Babers' staff.
"I'm first of all thankful to Coach Babers for the opportunity to come to BGSU two years ago," Sowder commented. "I look forward to continuing on here with Coach Jinks. He will do a great job here and will continue the championship culture. I am excited to continue my relationships with the players here and to work with such a great group of student-athletes in the wide receivers."
In 2015, Sowder mentored one of the top receiving groups in the nation as both of the Falcons' starting outside receivers were named All-MAC. Sophomore Roger Lewis was named first team All-MAC for the second straight season, totaling 1,456 yards and 15 touchdowns entering the GoDaddy Bowl. Gehrig Dieter, who enters the GoDaddy Bowl with 957 yards and nine touchdowns, leads the Falcons with 89 receptions. Dieter was named second team All-MAC.
Prior to coming to BGSU, Sowder spent two seasons at EIU where he was responsible for the outside receivers. After serving as Director of Player Personnel & Recruiting in 2014, Sowder moved back on the field in a coaching role for the 2015 season.
A main role that Sowder filled on the Falcons' support staff is that of the recruiting coordinator. Under Sowder's direction, the Falcons' coaching staff secured 21 student-athletes in their 2015 recruiting class. Sowder was responsible for scheduling recruiting travel, official visits, and managing the recruiting process for the Orange and Brown.
2013 was a banner year for the receiving core at EIU. Sowder coached the outside receivers, as the Panthers caught 395 passes for 5,213 yards and 55 touchdowns. EIU's receivers averaged 13.2 yards per catch and 372.4 yards per game during the school-record breaking season.
During the 2012 season Sowder helped coach a wide receiver unit that hauled in a previous school record 341 passes for 4,019 yards and 34 touchdowns. The outside group was led by seniors Chris Wright and Chavar Watkins. Wright matched the OVC record for consecutive games with a touchdown reception as he finished in the EIU career top ten in yards, receptions and touchdown catches.
Sowder was a student coach at Baylor assisting with the wide receivers and special teams in 2009 and 2010 following a playing career with the Bears.
During the 2011 season Sowder worked as the running backs coach at West Texas A&M with the team posting an 8-3 record including a win over Central Missouri in the Kanza Bowl. He coached running back Khiry Robinson who was the MVP of the Kanza Bowl and is now a member of the New Orleans Saints.
Sowder is very familiar with the spread offensive system having played and coached under Art Briles. He was a tight end at Baylor during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. In August of 2009 he became a student coach assisting Dino Babers with the wide receivers and tight ends. Baylor ended the season with an appearance in the Texas Bowl as the offensive unit ranked 12th in the nation in total offense.
Sowder earned his undergraduate degree from Baylor in 2011 in film/digital media.
Marcus White (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line)Marcus White joins Mike Jinks staff at Bowling Green as the Co-Defensive Coordinator. White, who coached the 2015 season at Faulkner University, will coach the defensive line for the Falcons. Jinks and White previously worked together at Texas Tech, as White served the Red Raiders in an off-the-field role the two seasons prior.
"What an honor it is to be able to coach at such a prestigious university such as Bowling Green," White began. "It's not every day that you get to be a part of a program with such a storied tradition and record of excellence both on and off the field. I want to thanks Coach Jinks, Chris Kingston and his administration for affording me and my family such a great opportunity."
White, a former player at Auburn and Murray State, joined the Faulkner staff as the defensive line coach prior to the 2015 season. In 2015, Faulkner went 7-3 and won their final four games of the season. The Eagles totaled 103.0 tackles for loss and 48.0 sacks. Freshman Qunn Johnson was named Mid-South Conference's West Division defensive Freshman of the Year, registering 45 tackles, 8.5 TFL, and 5.5 sacks. Additionally, defensive lineman Tony Threatt was named first team All-MSC after totaling 51 tackles, 11.5 TFL and 8.5 sacks. Johnson was named second team All-MSC.
Having originally signed with Auburn, White transferred prior to the 2003 season to Murray State, where he was an All-Ohio Valley Conference selection for three years. White was a member of the NFL's Tennessee Titans from 2005-2007 before concluding his professional career in the Arena Football League.
A graduate of Murray State, White was an offensive analyst at Texas Tech prior to his time at Faulkner. He served as an offensive quality control assistant at Houston in 2012, Tarleton State's offensive line coach in '11 and worked another year at Houston in '10 as an offensive graduate assistant. A Theodore, Ala., product, he was an assistant at St. Paul's Episcopal in Mobile, Ala., in '09 and the defensive line coach at Jackson Olin High in Birmingham, Ala., in '08.
White and his wife, Jaunelle, have three daughters - MaKiah, Jailyn, and Layla.
Ryan Downard (Director of Football Operations)Ryan Downard joins the staff of new Bowling Green head football coach Mike Jinks as the Director of Football Operations. Downard comes to Bowling Green after serving as a defensive coaching assistant with the Cleveland Browns during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
"My family and I are extremely excited to be a part of the Falcon family," Downard started. "I look forward to being back in the Mid-American Conference with Coach Jinks and the incredible staff he has put together."
While with the Browns organization, Downard has assisted with both the defensive backs (2015) and defensive line (2014). He was responsible for working with the position groups during individual periods and conducted rookie meetings. He also led special teams drills for gunners, corners and safeties.
Another key administrative role that Downard filled while with the Browns was interviewing combine participants prior to the NFL Draft. He also recruited Free Agents for NFL Mini Camp. During the season, Downard was responsible for game week preparations, including game plan, film breakdown, practice cards, scouting reports and call sheets.
Prior to his two seasons with the Browns, Downard served as a graduate assistant at both Texas Tech and Toledo. While at Texas Tech, Downard worked with Co-Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith. He also coached two positions on the special teams' units and was involved with all on-campus recruiting visits and dinners. While at the University of Toledo as a graduate assistant, Downard assisted current head coach Jason Candle.
At Bowling Green, Downard will handle the non-coaching activities of the Falcon football program. This includes departmental budget, personnel and staffing, academics, team travel, summer camps and all other day-to-day operations. Downard will also be the football program's liaison to the University Administration and all other units within the BGSU Athletics Department.
A native of Lima, Ohio, Downard graduated from Shawnee High School and Eastern Michigan University. While at EMU, he earned multiple MAC Player of the Week awards, was a team captain, and earned freshman All-America honors as a defensive back. Downard is married to his wife, Julie, and the couple has a son – Jaxon.
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