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| Cortland athletics photo |
Buffalo State has appointed Lazarus Morgan as the sixth head coach in the history of the Bengal football program, athletic director Renee Carlineo announced on Friday, Jan. 21.
Morgan will join the Buffalo State athletics department on February 1, 2022, after serving as the defensive coordinator at SUNY Cortland this past season where he oversaw the fifth-ranked overall defense in NCAA Division III, helping guide the Red Dragons to an 11-1 record, an Empire 8 title and a trip to the NCAA playoffs. With the hire, Morgan becomes the first Black man to hold the title of head football coach at Buffalo State, as well as the first in the history of the Liberty League.
"On behalf of the entire campus community, I would like to welcome Lazarus Morgan to the Buffalo State College family," said Buffalo State president Katherine Conway-Turner. "We believe that Lazarus is the right coach at the right time to lead our football program. Not only have his teams experienced success on the field, but he brings to Buffalo State a commitment to developing and supporting the entire student-athlete — on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. I look forward to Lazarus leading our Bengals on Coyer Field next fall and for many seasons to come."
"We are thrilled to welcome Lazarus Morgan as the leader of our football program," added Carlineo. "Throughout this national search, Coach Morgan's demonstrated values and football acumen stood out. What shined above all else were his ability to build genuine and inspirational relationships as well as his reputation as a mentor of young men and his approach to leadership. His vision and coaching philosophy fit perfectly with our team, our department, our college, and our community. I am excited to see how the next few years unfold with Lazarus leading the future of Buffalo State football."
Prior to Cortland, Morgan served six seasons as an assistant coach at Alfred, including four years (2016-19) as the Saxons' defensive coordinator. He was Alfred's defensive backs coach and junior varsity head coach for two seasons from 2014-15.
In his four years as defensive coordinator, Alfred posted a combined 32-13 record and registered 113 sacks and 91 forced turnovers. The program featured four All-Americans, two regional Players of the Year, three Empire 8 Players of the Year, seven all-region players and 19 all-league honorees.
In 2016, Morgan was part of the Saxons' Empire 8 Coaching Staff of the Year as the team won the Empire 8 title and posted a 10-0 regular-season record. Alfred advanced to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals, finished the year 12-1 and was the Lambert Cup winner. During his six seasons at Alfred, the Saxons were 3-0 in ECAC bowl games in addition to their two 2016 NCAA wins.
Prior to Alfred, Morgan coached for five seasons at his alma mater, Utica. He served as an assistant in charge of special teams and was wide receivers coach for the 2009 season. He was an assistant coach in charge of safeties from 2010-13, during which time he was also junior varsity defensive coordinator for two years (2010-11) and junior varsity head coach for two seasons (2012-13).
"I am truly blessed and honored to be the next head football coach here at Buffalo State College," Morgan said. "I have been really blessed throughout my career and I really would like to thank all the coaches I have worked for and with. It is those coaches that have molded me into the coach and man I am today. The support I have received from my family and loved ones on this journey has helped me tremendously and I would not be here if I didn't have their support.
"I can't wait to get on campus and work with our student-athletes. I look forward to working relentlessly with our coaching staff and our administration to bring this program back to its winning ways."
A native of the Bronx and an alumnus of Christopher Columbus High School, Morgan was a defensive back at Utica from 2006-08 and was an All-Empire 8 honoree. Morgan earned a bachelor's degree in communication arts from Utica in 2008 and a master's degree in educational leadership and administration in 2014.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT LAZARUS
"I believe the Bengals have made a good decision in hiring Coach Morgan. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in coaching football and recruiting in the State of New York. I know that he is excited and eager to take on the challenges that lie before him and I am sure he will do that with a great amount of passion."
-Bob Rankl, Alfred University Head Football Coach
"One of my priorities as a Head Coach is to fill our coaching staff with assistant coaches that possess the aspiration, drive, and talent to one day become a head coach of their own. It was only a matter of time before Coach Morgan found the right opportunity for him and his family, he is a talented coach and a terrific leader. On behalf of the entire SUNY Cortland program, I want to thank Laz for his hard work and dedication to our team and our players. The 2021 season is one that we will always cherish, and he was a big part of our success. I wish him the best of luck in his journey at Buffalo State."
-Curt Fitzpatrick, Cortland State Head Football Coach
"I am very happy for Lazarus. When I interviewed at UC back in 2007 Laz was an upperclassman and we spent some time together talking about the game and how it can make such a huge impact on a campus, community, and most importantly the lives of the young men we have the opportunity to coach. I am proud of how he has developed as a Coach. He is a strong communicator and will be an outstanding Head Football Coach."
-Blaise Faggiano, Utica College Head Football Coach
"I couldn't be more excited for Laz and his opportunity at Buffalo State. Laz has been a great mentor to me and so many other players on and off the field. The Buffalo State football program is getting a tremendous person, leader and football coach."
-James Lenahan '14, Utica College safety and current Fordham University Assistant Coach - Running Backs/Special Teams
Coach Laz personally is the greatest coach I've ever been with. He's more competitive than his players, which brought us to another level on and off the field. He talks to his players with so much confidence and puts so much trust in us, which makes us never want to disappoint him because he understands our potential… He changed my life and the life of other players because of how great of a person and coach he is."
-Stone Murray '22, Cortland State Defensive Back
"He is the greatest defensive mind I have ever played for. Buffalo State is lucky to have him… he plays the role of not only a coach but a big brother and mentor. I tell him all the time that he saved my life by helping me get back into school and back on the field. Even though I will always be a Saxon, I will definitely root for him and the Bengals."
-Kyle Moore '18, Alfred University Defensive Back
"Coach Morgan is one of a kind. He is without a doubt a great role model and mentor, but an even better person. Most of the time we don't even talk about football; I can talk with him about any and everything and he never hesitates to offer his advice. His love for the game and his players is unquestionably the highest of any coach in any sport I've ever played. He has a great sense of humor, while remaining extremely dedicated to getting better every day. You've made the best choice you could possibly make in hiring Coach Morgan."
-Shyheim Wingate '16, Alfred University Defensive Back