Former standout fullback Mark Matlak is returning to Allegheny to take over the head coaching position at his alma mater. 

The 1977 offensive player of the year in the Presidents Athletic Conference, Matlak coached at Allegheny for four years before starting an 18-year stint at Division I-AA New Hampshire, where he coached defensive ends before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1989 and associate head coach in 1999. Matlak, who graduated from Allegheny in 1978, was the second-leading rusher in school history at the time.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for me," Matlak said. "And I am humbled by it. I'm extremely excited to return to Allegheny. It's a great place to work and it"s a great place to go to school. I am just thrilled to be back in the Gator football program." 

He replaces Blair Hrovat, who resigned after it was revealed that he had not earned a college degree, as he claimed. Allegheny went 5-5 in 2001.