By Fitzgerald Cecilio

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue named Darrell Hazell its football coach. No contract terms were released immediately.

"Darrell is a great fit to build on our existing foundation," said Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke.

Burke made it clear after firing Danny Hope that he wanted an offense-minded coach. Hazell guided the Kent Stated Golden Flashes to an 11-2 record and a MAC East Division title in his second season.

He has two years of head-coaching experience and served as an assistant under Jim Tressel in Ohio State from 2004-2010. Hazell coached the Buckeyes' receivers and served as assistant head coach for his final six seasons.

He was instrumental in Ohio State's offensive game plans.

As a Tressel disciple, Hazell places an emphasis on special teams and turnover margin, two areas where Kent State excelled this season.

A New Jersey native who worked as an assistant at Rutgers, Hazell's ties to New Jersey should be beneficial in recruiting.

 

 

Darrell Hazell is New Purdue Football Coach