University of West Georgia Head Football Coach Will Hall recently announced two major additions toward finalizing his coaching staff for the upcoming season. Hall announced Cody Kennedy will be joining as offensive line coach along with Carnell "Cadillac" Williams as a graduate assistant running backs coach for the 2016 Wolves.
Kennedy is no stranger to Hall or to the UWG program. He was a member of the Wolves' 2014 coaching staff, serving as a grad assistant and working with the offensive line as the Wolves made their run to the NCAA Division II Semifinals. Under his direction, the offensive line paved the way that season for a school record 3,243 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns, averaging 231.6 rushing yards per game. He coached All-American Garrison Ushery in that season, and his line opened holes for running back Seth Hinsley to also be named as an All-American.
Kennedy's first full time coaching position came a season ago at Division II North Carolina-Pembroke. There, he mentored the offensive line as the Braves posted a record of 6-4. UNC-Pembroke was Kennedy's third stop in the coaching ranks, as he also worked under Hall as an offensive line graduate assistant for two years at West Alabama.
UWG's other offensive addition is a name well known, locally, regionally, and nationally. Williams was among the nation's premier running backs during his career at Auburn from 2001-04. He rushed for 3,831 yards and 45 touchdowns, and in 2004 he led the Tigers to a perfect, 13-0 record, the SEC title, and a victory in the Sugar Bowl.
After leaving Auburn, Williams made a major impact during a seven-year career in the NFL. He rushed for 4,031 yards and scored 21 touchdowns while playing six seasons for Tampa Bay and one for St. Louis. Also, Williams had over 1,000 yards in pass receptions during his career.
Kennedy and Williams will work alongside a veteran offensive staff for UWG this fall. Offensive coordinator Sam Gregg returns and will also work with the tight ends and fullbacks this season. Matt O'Brien takes over the duties of wide receiver coach and will again coordinate the Wolves' special teams. And Cayden Cochran is back for his second season as UWG's quarterbacks coach.
Hall's defensive staff will also have a very familiar and veteran look in 2016. However, some duties will change for the new season.
There is no change in the role defensive coordinator as veteran Scott Symons is back for his third season in that capacity. Also back for a third season is defensive line coach Josh Aldridge, who adds the job of recruiting coordinator to his list of duties in 2016. Rickey Hunley also returns, as he will be coaching the linebackers and will retain the role as academic coordinator for the Wolves. Also, Chris Franklin returns to the defensive coaching staff as he will mentor the cornerbacks in the upcoming season.
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