Washington’s Kalen DeBoer adds five additional staff members

New Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer is filling out his staff in Seattle, and he made huge strides on Saturday.

The former Fresno State head coach is adding five of his former assistants to his new team: William Inge, Lee Marks, Chuck Morrell, Eric Schmidt and Ron McKeefery.

Inge and Morrell will be co-defensive coordinators. More specifically, Inge will coach the linebackers, while Morrell will be in charge of the safety room. Schmidt will head up special teams and coach the defensive ends. 

Under the three defensive coaches, Fresno State moved from No. 88 in total defense in 2020 to No. 32 in 2021. 

“Coach Inge is a dynamic coach and person who has great knowledge and understanding of what it takes to build a great defense,” DeBoer said in a press release from the university. “His ability to connect with players and reach their hearts and minds is special. He did an amazing job each and every day creating an ‘attitude’ and ‘culture’ the past two seasons, which led to turning around the defense at Fresno State. I am looking forward to the leadership and impact he and Coach Morrell together will bring to our UW Dawg defense.”

They join cornerbacks coach Julius Brown, who was previously announced in his position, and defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield.

Marks rounds out offensive staff

Marks is the final piece of DeBoer’s offensive staff, taking on the role of running backs coach.

“I am extremely excited about the addition of Coach Marks to our UW football program,” DeBoer said. “I have known Coach Marks for over 10 years, and I’ve always been impressed with his success in recruiting and developing elite running backs throughout his career. Coach Marks is also more than a great football coach. He is a great leader and mentor who has a tremendous passion to build strong relationships with our team, staff, university and community.”

The other members of the offensive staff are Ryan Grubb (offensive coordinator and quarterbacks), Junior Adams (wide receivers), Scott Huff (offensive line) and Nick Sheridan (tight ends).

McKeefery is Washington’s new head strength and conditioning coach. He has twice been named the collegiate strength and conditioning coach of the year. He has coached over 100 players that have played in the NFL, including 36 draft picks. Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul and Atlanta Falcons all-purpose player Cordarrelle Patterson have been among the players with which McKeefery has worked.

“Coach Mac is among the best in business when it comes to strength and conditioning, and player development,” DeBoer said. “He is an outside-the-box thinker who excels in balancing foundational principles with new, cutting-edge ideas. Ron’s ability and relentless pursuit in building an elite ‘team’ culture is second to none, and I’m looking forward to seeing the immediate impact he’ll have at UW, building our team physically and mentally.”