LEWISBURG, Pennsylvania (Ticker) -- Associate coach Dave Kotulski, who is in his eighth year with the Bucknell football program, on Thursday was named the acting coach for the 2002 season.

Kotulski steps in for Tom Gadd, who is taking a leave of absence for health reasons. Gadd was diagnosed with cancer in July 2001.

"Our thoughts are with Tom and his family every day as he deals with his health situation," Bucknell athletic director John Hardt said. "And the program is fortunate to have someone like Dave Kotulski to whom we can turn."

A 1974 graduate of New Mexico State, Kotulski was promoted to Bucknell's associate coach in January. He also served as defensive coordinator at St. Mary's in California from 1990-94.

From 1978-1989, Kotulski was a defensive assistant at Utah and during his last three seasons there, he worked under Gadd, who was the Utes' defensive coordinator.

Gadd has posted a 48-28 record at Bucknell while leading the Bison to seven straight winning seasons. He is tied with Bob Curtis as the winningest coach in school history.

Bucknell is a Division I-AA school that competes in the Patriot League.