Coastal Carolina University President Ronald R. Ingle has named Warren D. Koegel athletic director of Coastal Carolina University. He will begin his duties at Coastal by Jan. 1, 2001.

Koegel has been associate athletic director at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga since 1998. He has served on the football coaching staffs at the University of Connecticut, Rutgers University and Wyoming University. Koegel, who played for five years in the NFL, starred at Penn State University under legendary coach Joe Paterno.

"Warren brings a unique combination of experience which will serve Coastal well as our athletic programs grow and as we prepare to add football in 2003," said Ingle. Approximately 130 candidates applied for the position, which became open in July when Dave Blank stepped down as Coastal's athletics director in July to take a similar position at Drake University. Candidates were evaluated by a screening committee and Ingle also sought input from university constituencies including athletic administrators, faculty and CINO Club members. Coastal Professor Edgar Dyer has served as interim athletic director since Blank's departure.

At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Koegel manages a $5.2 million budget for 16 NCAA sports. His other administrative responsibilities include compliance, athletic scholarships, marketing and serving as the liaison to the coaching staff. He also serves on the steering committee for the NCAA I-AA National Championship Football Game.

During his tenure on the football coaching staff at the University of Connecticut from 1992 to 1997 he was recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach as well as interim head coach in 1993. Koegel was an assistant football coach at Rutgers University from 1984 to 1990 and Wyoming University from 1977 to 1983.

Prior to his professional career from 1971 to 1976 with the Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Jets, Koegel was co- captain of the football team at Penn State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1971. During his college career he was a third team All-American during his senior year and played on two Orange Bowl champion teams. He played in the Hula Bowl, East-West Shrine Game and the College All-State Game. Koegel received Penn State's Dedicated Player and Outstanding Senior Awards.

"I am extremely pleased that Warren Koegel has been selected by Coastal Carolina for its athletic director position," said L. Oval Jaynes, athletic director at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. "He is an outstanding man and will bring a lot of experience in Division I athletics. He has been a valued employee for Mocs athletics during his tenure here. I know he will be missed by all, but we wish him much success at Coastal."

Koegel and his wife Elaine have one daughter, Kathryn. Coastal Carolina University competes in the NCAA Division I, Big South Conference and offers 17 men's and women's sports. Football will compete at the NCAA I-AA level.