Kevin Ross Named Offensive Coordinator at Army

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Dec. 31, 2003

Charlottesville, Va. – University of Virginia running backs coach Kevin Ross was named offensive coordinator at Army Tuesday by his father, new Army head coach, Bobby Ross. The elder Ross was named Army’s head coach earlier this month.

“I’m delighted to have Kevin as part of our staff,” Bobby Ross stated. “He was one of the first people that I turned to after accepting this job, but we wanted to hold the announcement until the end of Virginia’s season at coach Groh’s request, and I can respect that. Kevin’s had a lot of experience, working with Ralph Friedgen and George O’Leary at Georgia Tech, and he’s had the opportunity the last three years to work with Al Groh.”

A 1988 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Kevin Ross directed UVa’s running backs the past three years, helping the Cavaliers to consecutive victories over West Virginia and Pittsburgh in the Continental Tire Bowl the past two seasons.

Prior to his stay in Charlottesville, Kevin Ross spent two seasons overseeing wide receivers and special teams at The Citadel (1999-2000). He also served as the primary liaison between The Citadel football program and the institution’s administrative and commandant’s offices.

Before coaching at The Citadel, Ross served as a graduate assistant on O’Leary’s staff at Georgia Tech in 1998, working with the Yellow Jackets’ defense. He was also a member of the coaching staff at Southwest Texas State University in 1997. In addition, Ross has assisted at National Football League minicamps and training camps with the San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions, working with 1,000-yard rushers Barry Sanders and Natrone Means.

The 38-year-old Ross was a full-time competitive cyclist for three years before entering the coaching profession. He finished as one of the top amateurs in the individual time trial at the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials and entered the professional ranks in 1997.

A veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Ross served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1988 through 1994, holding duties as a light armored reconnaissance company commander, infantry platoon commander and aviation logistics supervisor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Navy in 1988 and captained the Mids’ track and field team as a senior.

The native of Lexington, Va., graduated from High Point High School in Beltsville, Md., in 1984. His father was the head football coach at the University of Maryland (1982-86) during that time.

“I think Kevin brings in some variety to an offensive scheme that I think will be critical to the development of our scheme. Obviously, I’m still going to have some input to it, just as I will on the defensive and special teams sides. Overall, I’m very pleased to have him. I know what he brings to the table football-wise, but I also know his Naval Academy experience brings some great credibility to working in an environment such as what we have at West Point. That will be very important to our entire staff, particularly in the recruiting phase as we being our recruiting process,” said Bobby Ross.

Kevin and his wife, Kristi, have twin children: a son, Bobby, and a daughter Michaela, born during the summer of 2002.