Jeff Monken was officially named the next head coach at Army on Tuesday, becoming the 37th head coach to lead the Black Knights' historic program.
"I am thrilled to accept the head coaching position at West Point," Monken said in a statement released by the school. "Not only is the United States Military Academy one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, it boasts one of the nation's richest, most historic traditions in all of college football. I am anxious to get started ... meet our players, put our coaching staff in place, and begin preparations for the 2014 football season.
"I have had the privilege of serving as a coach for several outstanding institutions and am thankful to all of the student-athletes, coaches, and administrators with whom I have worked. Because of their commitment, dedication, and loyalty, this opportunity to serve at West Point has been afforded to me. More than anyone else, I want to thank the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation in the United States Army. I am proud to be your head football coach."
Army will hold a press conference to introduce Monken to the media on Dec. 30.
"We want a successful head coach who understands the challenges of working at a service academy, one who could help us win immediately and one who understands the importance of West Point’s mission. We found that in Jeff," Army athletic director Boo Corrigan said. "Jeff has been highly successful at every stop he has made both on the field and off. We expect him to experience that same level of success at West Point. We could not be more excited to have Jeff, his wife Beth, and their three daughters join the West Point family and lead our football program."
Monken led Georgia Southern to a 38-16 record in four seasons, appearing in three FCS semifinals and making headlines in 2013, the program's transition year to FBS, with a 26-20 upset of Florida in the Swamp. The Eagles rode Monken's triple option attack for 429 rushing yards, the fourth most ever allowed by a Florida defense.
Monken developed that offensive attack while working as an assistant under Paul Johnson at Navy and Georgia Tech. Army hopes that Monken can replicate the kind of success Johnson had while coaching at the school's Commander-in-Chief Trophy rival.
