Beckman raids Falcons' staff

12/7/2008

BOWLING GREEN - The battle between Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo did not end with the Falcons' 38-10 win at the Glass Bowl on Nov. 28.

The Rockets have since retaliated by delivering two stiff blows to their chief rival.

New UT coach Tim Beckman has hired BG defensive coordinator Mike Ward and co-offensive coordinator Matt Campbell to his staff, The Blade has learned. Ward and Campbell were without guaranteed contracts after BG coach Gregg Brandon was fired Nov. 29.

It is believed Ward, who coached 17 years at BG, will be the Rockets' co-defensive coordinator. Campbell was BG's run game coordinator and was also responsible for coaching the offensive line. Both Ward and Campbell were on staff with Beckman when Beckman was an assistant at BG from 1998-2004.

It was reported in Thursday's Blade that Campbell had accepted a coaching position at Wyoming. It is believed Beckman persuaded Campbell to reconsider his decision upon being announced as the Rockets' coach Thursday afternoon.

Campbell was a graduate assistant at BG from 2003-04. He returned to the program in 2007 as its offensive line coach before assuming the title of co-offensive coordinator this year.

Ward served as BG's strength coach from 1992-99 and then served as the defensive line coach before being appointed the defensive coordinator in 2007.

BG athletic director Greg Christopher has said there is no timeframe in place to hire a new head coach. It is believed Missouri defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and Purdue defensive coordinator Brock Spack are candidates.