Raymond Monica has been named Kutztown University’s head football coach, replacing Dave Keeny, whose contract was not renewed following the 2005 season. Monica is the 14th head football coach at Kutztown since 1927. He began his duties at Kutztown on Monday, March 20. "We feel very fortunate to be able to attract a coach of Ray’s talent and experience to Kutztown University," Bamberger said. "He brings to us a tremendous knowledge of the game, combined with a great energy and attitude."
Monica, 39, comes to Kutztown after serving as defensive coordinator at Division I-A Temple University for the past eight seasons, including the last seven as assistant head coach. During his tenure at Temple, he also guided the inside linebackers and defensive line. Prior to Temple, Monica coached for nine seasons at the University of North Alabama, during which time the Lions won three NCAA Division II national championships from 1993-95. "This is a great opportunity, at a great university in a great location," Monica said. "Kutztown is a school with a rich tradition in academics and athletics. I am looking forward to meeting the people in the community and becoming a part of a wonderful family at KU."
A native of Garyville, La., Monica is a graduate of East St. John’s High School in Reserve, La. He enrolled at Nicholls State University in 1985. After one season with the Colonels, he transferred to Northeast Mississippi Junior College, where he played quarterback and earned all-state honors for two seasons. He signed with Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) and went through spring drills, before a back injury ended his playing career.
Monica began his coaching career as a student assistant coach at Northeast Mississippi Junior College in 1988. He moved on to North Alabama in 1989. There, he coached the running backs while completing his bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and recreation, which he received in 1990. Monica served as defensive line coach at North Alabama from 1992-97. The defense ranked among the top in Division II in several statistical categories during the Lions’ three-year championship run from 1993-95. During that time, Northern Alabama’s football team posted a remarkable record of 41-1.
At Temple, Monica was hailed as one of the top assistant coaches in college football. In Sports Illustrated’s 2003 College Football Preview, he was cited as one of college football’s seven "Wise Guides." The article praised him as "the best in the nation at getting ordinary players to do extraordinary things." Monica mentored several future NFL players while at Temple, including 2002 Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year and All-America DT Dan Klecko, DE Raheem Brock, DT Russell Newman, DE Calvin Wilkinson, and All-America LB Rian Wallace.
