It was a testament to the reputation of the John Carroll University football program that it was able to have one quality coach and individual step in for another.

Brandon Staley, most recently of the University of Tennessee, has been named as the defensive coordinator for the Blue Streaks, replacing Jerry Schuplinski, who left in March for a position with the New England patriots of the National Football League.

"We are very fortunate to have Brandon on our staff," said John Carroll football head coach Tom Arth. "He is prepared, passionate, and has great attention to detail.  But more importantly, he is man of character and integrity and will represent John Carroll University very well."

Staley is actually returning home to northeast Ohio, as he played football and basketball at Perry High School. As a senior, he quarterbacked Perry to a conference title and a quarterfinal round appearance in the Ohio state playoffs. The accolades rolled in as he was First Team News Herald, First Team Plain Dealer, first team all-district and honorable mention All-Ohio as well as  Lake County Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Year.

After a collegiate playing career at Dayton and Mercyhurst, Staley landed his first coaching job at Northern Illinois University. From 2006-2008, he was part of two postseason bowls (2006 Poinsettia vs Texas Christian, 2008 Independence vs Louisiana Tech). He was a defensive graduate assistant working with the secondary (2006-2007) and linebackers (2008) and special teams (all three years). In 2008, NIU's defense led the Mid-American Conference and was ranked among the top 20 nationally in scoring defense, pass defense and total defense.

In 2009, Staley landed at the University of St. Thomas, a Division III powerhouse in Minnesota. The team went 11-2 and reached the NCAA quarterfinals as he served the program as its defensive line and assistant special teams coach.

Staley moved on to Hutchinson (KS) Community College as the associate head coach, defensive linebackers coach and special teams assistant. The team won two Salt Bowl championships as Hutchinson went 10-2 and finished the season ranked #5 in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in 2011, and 9-3 and ranked #9 in 2011.

Tennessee was his last stop prior to arriving at John Carroll. Staley moved in the role of defensive graduate assistant in charge of inside linebackers as well as special teams assistant.

"My wife Amy and I are thrilled to be a part of the John Carroll Football family," said Staley, who starts in this position effective immediately. "We understand the incredible tradition at JCU of both athletic and academic excellence. We are extremely grateful to Coach Arth and Laurie Massa for this opportunity and look forward to the exciting future of Blue Streak Football."

Over the course of his coaching tenure, Staley has recruited across the nation with Ohio (and specifically northeast Ohio) almost always among his areas of responsibility.

John Carroll was 6-4 overall and 5-4 (4th) in the Ohio Athletic Conference in 2012.