Clayton Kendrick-Holmes coached SUNY-Maritime to the playoffs last season and shipped out for Afghanistan immediately thereafter.

SUNY-Maritime football coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes concluded his tour of duty in Afghanistan for the U.S. Naval Reserves last month and has returned to the Bronx to resume his duties as head coach of the football program in time for the upcoming 2011 season, as well as his position as Associate Athletic Director for Internal Affairs.

Kendrick-Holmes was sent to Afghanistan last fall after coaching the Privateers to a 10-0 regular season and the playoffs, where they fell in the first round to Alfred.

“It is great to be back home to my wife and two sons and also Maritime College,” said Kendrick-Holmes. “I would like to thank the Maritime administration, coach Al Piascik and the rest of my coaches, and the many family and friends who have supported me and my family over the past eight months. My time serving in Afghanistan was very rewarding and I return with an increased appreciation for our service personnel around the world and for the freedoms of our great country. I am blessed to be home safely and very excited for the start of the 2011 season and seeing the players when they report to camp.”

Along with Kendrick-Holmes’ return comes a number of changes to the coaching duties. Piascik will return to his role as assistant head coach, coaching the defensive backs. 

Kendrick-Holmes, his coaching staff and the rest of the Privateers will begin the 2011 season on the road at Division II Bentley on Friday, Sept. 2.