Wingate University vice-president and director of athletics Steve Poston and head football coach Joe Reich announce the appointment of Bobby James as defensive coordinator. James replaces Rashaan Jordan, who has resigned to accept a position at another institution. James will begin his new duties immediately.

James spent the 2007 season as the defensive backs coach and the strength and conditioning coordinator for the Bulldogs. He also serves as the pro liaison for the program. Wingate was 7-4 overall in James’ first season with the Bulldogs.

A graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, James joined the Bulldog staff after serving as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Susquehanna University. He was also in charge of strength and conditioning for the SU Crusaders. James recruited three All-Conference selections and one All-American in his three seasons with the Crusader football program.

Before his time at Susquehanna, James was the defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach at the University of New Haven. Before New Haven, James was the defensive coordinator at Drake University. James has also held defensive coaching positions at Wilkes University, Lenoir-Rhyne College and Bloomsburg University. While at Wilkes, he was the defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach. Also, he completed a rigid strength and conditioning internship at Lehigh University.

“Bobby’s previous experience as a defensive coordinator is a big plus for us,” Reich says. “He will bring great energy and enthusiasm to our defensive team.”

During Jordan’s tenure, the Bulldog defense has enjoyed tremendous success. Jordan coached defensive back David Jones, who was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL draft (145th overall selection).

This year, senior defensive lineman Kenwin Cummings was named to the 2007 Don Hansen’s Football Gazette NCAA Division II All-America second team. In addition, senior linebacker Bobby Floyd played in the 2008 Valero Cactus Bowl as a member of the East team.

“We are grateful to Rashaan Jordan for his seven seasons of service to Wingate University,” Reich says. “We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

James is looking forward to the new challenge. “It is an exciting opportunity to be involved with a program on the rise,” James says. “I believe we are a step away from being national contenders on a consistent basis.”

“Coach Jordan has done a great job developing our defense,” James adds. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn from Rashaan this year. It has been a wonderful experience. We have great people in the (Wingate athletic) department and great young men in our football program. I am excited about the days ahead.”

Bobby James graduated from Bloomsburg with a B.S. degree in exercise science. On the football field, James was a four-year starter, two-time team captain and two-time All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) selection. He earned team defensive MVP honors as well as establishing two school records for punt returns and kickoff returns.