FCS Football Front Page: The Latest News, Notes, & Recruiting Updates (Jan. 26)
The FCS Football Front Page will deliver the biggest and most storylines from across the FCS throughout the offseason.
Each day we will bring you the top stories from around the country regarding FCS football. From coaching changes to recruiting updates, and everything in between the FCS Football Front Page has you covered.
Montana Head Coach Bobby Hauck Agrees To New Three-Year Contract
Montana head coach Bobby Hauck agreed to a new three-year contract, which will keep him in Missoula until Jan. 2027. The new contract comes after Hauck led the Grizzlies to the FCS National Championship this past season.
Hauck is 49-19 over his six seasons in his second stint as the head coach, including four appearances in the FCS Playoffs. He also served as the head coach of the Grizzlies from 2003-09, leading Montana to three FCS National Championship appearances. Hauck was 80-17 over his first seven seasons in Missoula.
He became the all-time winningest head coach in Big Sky history this season after a win over Sacramento State. Hauck is a four-time Big Sky Coach of the Year and two-time FCS Coach of the Year finalist.
"I'm excited to continue representing the Montana Grizzlies, the University of Montana, and the state of Montana as the head football coach. Stacey and I are committed to the future of Grizzly football and want to continue to have an impact on our players, our university, and our community," Hauck said in an official statement released by the university.
North Carolina A&T Hires David Marsh As Offensive Coordinator
North Carolina A&T officially announced David Marsh as the new offensive coordinator for the Aggies. He will be tasked with rebuilding an offense that ranked No. 109 nationally in scoring offense and No. 115 in total offense.
Marsh spent the last four seasons at Texas Southern as the offensive coordinator. Under Marsh, the Tigers led the SWAC in rushing offense last season and running back LaDarius Owens earned FCS All-American honors. Quarterback Andrew Body broke the single-season program record for total offensive yards as a true freshman in Marsh's system.
Before his stint at Texas Southern, Marsh spent two seasons at Campbell in the same role. He led the Camels to the No. 1 offense in the Pioneer League in 2017 and a program-record 436.5 yards per game. Under Marsh, quarterback Daniel Smith was named the PFL Offensive Player of the Year and was a Walter Payton Award finalist.
Rusty Wright Signs Five-Year Extension With Chattanooga
Chattanooga head coach Rusty Wright agreed to a five-year extension with the Mocs on Thursday. Wright is the only coach in program history to have a winning record in each of his first five seasons.
Wright is 30-22 over his five seasons with the Mocs, including an appearance in the FCS Playoff last season. He led Chattanooga to the first appearance in the FCS Playoffs since 2016, in which the Mocs defeated Austin Peay in the first round. Under Wright, Devonnsha Maxwell and Jay Person have combined to win three consecutive SoCon Defensive Player of the Year awards.
In only five seasons, Wright currently ranks No. 3 in school history in SoCon victories (24) and No. 5 for overall wins (30) as head coach. Offensive lineman Cole Strange became the first player in program history to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Wright played tight end at Chattanooga (1992-95) before starting his coaching career as an assistant for the Mocs in 1996. Wright also served as the linebackers coach and special teams coordinator for four seasons (2013-16) before accepting a position at Georgia State. He only spent two seasons as the special teams and recruiting coordinator with the Panthers before returning to Chattanooga as the head coach.
Howard WR Nah'shawn Hezekiah Transfers To Southern Illinois
Former Howard wide receiver Nah'shawn Hezekiah has officially signed with Southern Illinois, which was announced by the university. Hezekiah will have one season of eligibility remaining for the Salukis.
Hezekiah saw action in 28 games over three seasons with the Bison. He earned Preseason second-team All-Conference honors ahead of last season. He recorded 46 receptions for 552 receiving yards, four receiving touchdowns, and averaged 12.0 yards per reception. He led the Bison with 46 receiving yards on three receptions against Florida A&M in the Celebration Bowl.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound wide receiver signed with Howard out of Orangeburg Wilkinson High School. Hezekiah is expected to compete for a starting spot next season with the Salukis.
