February 16, 2005

MIELLO NAMED HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AT WILLIAM PATERSON

36-YEAR COACHING VETERAN NAMED NEW LEADER OF PIONEER FOOTBALL

Former Rutgers-University assistant to the head coach Mike Miello has been named the 11th head football coach at William Paterson University, pending approval by the University’s Board of Trustees.

A 36-year football coaching veteran, Miello coached at Division I Rutgers during the previous four seasons, serving in the position of assistant to the head coach in 2004. Previously, he had coached Ramapo and Hackensack to a combined five state high school championships.

“Everything we do at William Paterson University is dedicated to student success,” University President Arnold Speert said. “Mike Miello’s addition to our athletic program will serve to infuse experience, energy and excellence into our football program and athletics across the campus.”

“Mike’s wealth of experience as a successful football coach in New Jersey and his reputation as an educator will have an immediate impact on our football program and our overall athletic department,” said Sabrina Grant, director of athletics. “This is an exciting day for our entire athletic department.”

Miello began coaching at Rutgers in 2001 when protégé Greg Schiano was hired as the Scarlet Knights’ head coach. Schiano began his coaching career at Ramapo High School after playing under Miello at Ramapo. Miello served as recruiting coordinator/running backs coach his first season before taking over as programs coordinator the past three years. His duties included recruiting and the evaluation of player personnel.

“The opportunity to get back on the field again and the opportunity to be a head coach was appealing to me,” Miello said. “The most attractive aspect of this position was the sincere commitment made by the administration to develop a successful program.”

Prior to his time at Rutgers, Miello served as football coach and athletic director at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes from 1978-2000. In 23 seasons as the Green Raiders’ head coach, he guided his program to four New Jersey state championships and four Northern Bergen Interscholastic League titles. One hundred and forty eight of his players played in college, including Chris Simms, one of the top prep players in state high school history who is currently a quarterback with the National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Miello began his high school head-coaching career in 1970 at Hackensack High School, where he had previously served as an assistant in 1968. He coached the Comets for seven seasons and led them to the 1971 Group 4 state championship.

In addition to his high school and collegiate head coaching experience, Miello scouted the game films of college prospects for the New York Giants from 1981-84.  He began his coaching career at the University of Rhode Island, where he was a three-year starter at tight end from 1967-68. He was also the running backs coach at Columbia University in 1969.

Miello earned a B.S. in physical education and health from the University of Rhode Island in 1967. He obtained his Master’s in administration and supervision (K-12) from Seton Hall University in 1977.

Off the field, Miello’s involvement in the community has earned him numerous accolades. He has been inducted into the New Jersey Football Coaches Association and New Jersey Interscholastic Coaches Halls of Fame. He was named the YMCA and UNICO (Hackensack Chapter) Person of the Year in 2004. He also was the recipient of the President Gerald R. Ford Award from the All-American Football Foundation in 2003.