Paul McGonagle Named Running Backs Coach at Bucknell
5/20/2002 8:00:00 AM | Football
May 20, 2002
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Paul McGonagle, a 1999 University of Kentucky graduate and most recently an assistant coach at Eastern Kentucky University, has been named running backs coach at Bucknell, head coach Tom Gadd announced.
McGonagle served a two-year stint at Eastern Kentucky, coaching the Colonels' tight ends in 2000 and the running backs in 2001. He helped install a new offense at Eastern Kentucky, an offense that last season was ranked No. 1 in the Ohio Valley Conference and ninth in the nation. In addition, the Colonels led the nation in rushing yards per game. McGonagle, who coached Walter Payton Award finalist and OVC rushing leader C.J. Hudson, also tutored the EKU kick returners.
McGonagle began his coaching career at Northeastern University in 1999, coaching the tight ends and running backs.
While at Kentucky, McGonagle played both offensive line and tight end for one of the top offenses in the country. Led by standout Tim Couch, who became the National Football League's No. 1 overall draft pick, the Wildcats shattered an array of NCAA and Southeastern Conference records.
At Bucknell, McGonagle will have the opportunity to coach a deep and talented backfield, led by junior Jess Brinson and sophomore Raphael Darrington. Darrington and classmates Raphael Hammond and Frank Lazio were all very impressive in spring practice.
A native of Reading, Mass., McGonagle graduated from Malden Catholic High School where he was a tight end and defensive end. He also lettered in baseball and hockey.
McGonagle received his masters degree in sports administration from Eastern Kentucky in July 2001.
He is married to the former Jaime Lyn Wohlgemuth.