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| Rhodes athletics photo |
Rhodes athletic director Matt Dean has announced the appointment of Travis James to interim head football coach following the resignation of Jim Ryan. Chris DiLella has been elevated to interim associate head coach and Wes Graham will transition to offensive coordinator.
Ryan, who helmed the Lynx from 2016-2020, is leaving the profession after 25 years, and he and his family will continue to reside in Memphis.
"I appreciate Jim Ryan's leadership and guidance the past five years as our head football coach," says Dean. "Jim has been a great teammate and role model in our department and will be greatly missed. I wish Jim and his family the very best in the future."
The rest of the current staff will remain. James, last year's offensive coordinator, will still aid offensive instruction and DiLella will maintain his defensive coordinator title. Graham (also quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator), Sam McLain '18 (strength and conditioning, defensive line), John Dowtin (outside linebackers), John Cady (superbacks), Richard Gilliam (defensive backs), Austin Ellsworth (wide receivers), Larry Klatt (running backs) and Mike Shible '21 (chief of staff) will round out the coaching staff.
"I'm thrilled that Travis has accepted our offer to become interim head coach," said Dean. "Travis is a high-energy coach and this a great opportunity for him to lead us through this abbreviated season."
James came to Rhodes as offensive coordinator in 2019. He previously spent four years on the Illinois College coaching staff, including two years as associate head coach. DiLella has been with the Lynx since 2015. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2018. That season the Lynx earned a season-opening shutout, their first shutout since 2014.
"I could not be prouder to lead this resilient group of men into the future," said James. "I am blessed with an incredible family, selfless staff, and extremely supportive administrators who want to see the Lynx take on the new decade with courage and energy! We realize that we represent a proud tradition here in Memphis and are committed to being ambassadors for the campus community in our beliefs and behaviors."
Rhodes welcomed 84 football student-athletes to campus yesterday. The Lynx are scheduled to play four Southern Athletic Association games with home contests against Birmingham-Southern on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. in their season opener, followed by a matchup against Centre on Feb. 13. The squad is scheduled to be on the road Feb. 20 (Berry) and Feb. 27 (BSC). The season is set to conclude with an SAA Championship Play Day at War Memorial Stadium in Ark. on March 13.
Rhodes will formally begin their search for a head coach after the spring season has completed.