Jan. 29, 2007

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Kevin Lempa, a former collegiate defensive coordinator with NFL experience, has been hired as the defensive backs coach at the University of Maryland, head football coach Ralph Friedgen announced today.

Lempa spent the last four seasons as the secondary coach with Boston College, where he led one of the top units in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He replaces Tim Banks, who took over as defensive coordinator at Central Michigan earlier this month.

"We were very fortunate to hire a coach of Kevin's caliber," Friedgen said. "His defensive backs (at Boston College) were very productive over the last few years. BC had 21 interceptions last year and they led the Big East a couple years ago. Kevin is a highly respected defensive coach and has spent time in the NFL which is a real plus."

The Eagles were among the nation's best in picking off passes last season. Their 21 interceptions were tied for third nationally, trailing only Western Michigan (24) and Wake Forest (22). They also had 17 interceptions in 2004 which led the Big East Conference. Two of his defensive backs - cornerback DeJuan Tribble and strong safety Ryan Glasper - were All-ACC performers last season.

Tribble's 0.54 interceptions per game in 2006 were tied for eighth nationally, helping BC rank 34th in total defense (310.9 yards per game) and 14th in scoring defense (15.7 points per game).

Lempa also has the ability to secure the talent which was so productive for him on the field.

"Kevin comes to us with a very good reputation as a recruiter," Friedgen said. "He has ties in the Northeast and knowledge of the ACC after two years in the league, which will be helpful."

Prior to his second stint at BC (he was at the school as an assistant from 1981-90), Lempa was the defensive coordinator at the University of Hawai'i from 2000-02. During Lempa's tenure, Hawai'i placed high nationally in several defensive categories. The 2001 team finished the year 9-3 and put four players on the All-Western Athletic Conference team. The 2002 team went 10-4 and played in the ConAgra Foods Hawai'i Bowl.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity and thankful to Coach Friedgen," Lempa said. "There is a lot to be impressed with at Maryland. The facilities are first-class, the team has been successful and there are some great people on staff. I'm looking forward to getting to know the players better, but have been impressed with those I've met so far."

Lempa spent three seasons (1997-99) in the NFL as a defensive assistant with the San Diego Chargers. San Diego had one of the better defenses in the NFL during that period and led the league in yards allowed (263.0 pg) in 1998.

Lempa, 54, is a 1974 graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, where he was a two-year starter at wide receiver.

Before serving on the Chargers' staff, he was the defensive coordinator at Dartmouth College (1991-96) where he coached three All-New England/ECAC defensive backs.

He also spent four years (1977-80) at the University of Maine with former BC coach Jack Bicknell before the two moved on to Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Lempa went to four bowl games during his first 10 years at BC, including the 1985 Cotton Bowl. Overall, he has coached in nine bowl games, including the last four years with Boston College.

The Lempa File:

Personal
Date of Birth: July 17, 1952
Hometown: Hartford, Conn.
Alma Mater: Southern Connecticut State, 1974

Coaching Experience
Boston College
2003-06 Assistant coach - secondary
University of Hawai'i
2000-02 Assistant coach - defensive coordinator
San Diego Chargers
1997-99 Defensive assistant - defensive backs, defensive line
Dartmouth College
1991-96 Assistant coach - defensive coordinator, defensive backs
Boston College
1981-90 Assistant coach - outside linebackers, punters/special teams
University of Maine
1977-80 Assistant coach - defensive backs
Wesleyan University
1976 Assistant coach - wide receivers
Southern Connecticut State
1974-75 Assistant coach - wide receivers

Playing Experience
Southern Connecticut State
1970-73 Football (wide receiver)