Brett Elliott Joins JMU Coaching Staff As Co-Offensive Coordinator

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison football has named Brett Elliott as the quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator, Head Coach Everett Withers announced today. His appointment begins immediately as he takes over for Drew Mehringer, who is now on the football coaching staff at the University of Houston.

"Brett is an excellent young football coach that we feel will 'fit' our culture at James Madison football," Withers said. He has the "Offensive Pedigree" that is perfect for what we aspire to do. Talking with Dan Mullen (head coach at Mississippi State), Head Coach Joseph Smith at Linfield College and several other coaches, Brett's understanding of our structure in how we run our program was important in the decision to make the hire! We feel like we have enhanced our program with the addition of Brett."

"I am unbelievably excited and honored to be a part of a football program with the rich and successful tradition that James Madison University has," Elliott said. "I want to thank Coach Withers for the opportunity to work with a stable of young, talented quarterbacks, especially Vad Lee. I look forward to working with a great coaching and support staff with the same common goal in mind."

Most recently, Elliott was on the offensive staff at Mississippi State for the past three seasons, working on offensive quality control. During his time with the Bulldogs, the team finished with its highest Associated Press ranking since 1940 by finishing No. 11 this past season, while also tying for its highest Coaches Poll finish at No. 12. This season's squad won 10 games for the first time in school history and played in the Orange Bowl for the first time since 1941. The team also broke 29 individual and team single-season records during the 2014 season with the top offense in school history, led by First Team All-Southeastern Conference quarterback Dak Prescott.

After his collegiate playing days, Elliott signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He also played for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe and was under contract with the San Jose SaberCats when the league halted operations in late 2008. Elliott also played in the Arena League as a starter for the Utah Blaze in 2010 and the Georgia Force in 2011.

A native of Lake Oswego, Ore., Elliott played his redshirt freshman year at the University of Utah before transferring to Linfield College. In 2005 at Linfield, he won the Gagliardi Trophy and Melberger Award, given to the top player in Division III. Elliott was twice named an All-American and led Linfield to the 2004 NCAA Division III national championship. During his playing career, he set Linfield and Northwest Small College single-game, single-season and career passing records and broke the all-divisions record for most touchdown passes in one season -- throwing for 61 scores in 2004. He graduated in 2006 from Linfield with his bachelor's degree in mass communication.

Coming off their first playoff appearance since 2011, the Dukes will open the 2015 campaign in Bridgeforth Stadium against Morehead State, Sat., Sept. 5. Season tickets can be purchased starting Feb. 1 by contacting the JMU Ticket Office at 540-568-DUKE (3853) or by going online to JMUSports.com/tickets.

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