LOS ANGELES — Eric Coleman, former tight ends and running backs coach at NCAA Division I Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, has been named the Occidental football team's offensive coordinator.

The new hire comes as part of the school's decision to support and field a competitive football team at Oxy. 

"I couldn't be more pleased to have a coach of the quality of Eric join our staff," Oxy first year head coach Rob Cushman said. "He brings energy, enthusiasm and great knowledge of the offensive scheme that we're committed to. He also has the reputation of being an outstanding recruiter, which is essential to our future success."

Coleman was part of Cal Poly Slo's offensive success in 2016 when the Mustangs had the No.-2 ranked rushing offense and advanced to the NCAA FCS Playoffs. 

Coleman is an extremely passionate football coach. In 2011 he quit his teaching job, sold his house and decided to go all in on football. He started out as a volunteer at Cal Poly Slo and worked his way into an integral part of their staff.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the Oxy football family," Coleman said. "Offensively, Coach Cushman and I believe in the same things, and we believe we can turn this thing around and get back to the dominance that Oxy has had going back to the early 2000s."

Coleman has also had coaching stops as JSerra Catholic HS as the running backs and tight ends coach, the offensive coordinator at Bakersfield HS for four years where they compiled a record of 42-9 and won two CIF Central Section Championships, and the offensive line coach at Ridgeview HS for five years. 

Coleman earned his BA in Business from Fresno Pacific and his Master's from Point Loma.