ALBION, Mich. – Albion College Head Football Coach Dustin Beurer announced his coaching staff on Friday.
Mark Sheridan, '14, a former graduate assistant at Purdue University and the University of Arkansas and the outside linebackers coach at the University of Central Arkansas, returns to his alma mater to serve as defensive coordinator.
A member of Albion's 2011 and 2013 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship teams, Sheridan coached the Britons corps of cornerbacks in 2014.
"We are thrilled to have Coach Sheridan rejoin the Albion College football family as defensive coordinator," Beurer said. "Mark was a player who always got the most out of his abilities in our program and was a part of two championship teams and captain of the 2013 squad.
"Mark has been around some great minds in defensive football since he departed Albion and has grown and matured into a bright young defensive mind," Beurer added. "Every reference check stated how he has a great defensive mind, brings the juice everyday coaching, and is a dogged recruiter. Our players are excited to get to work with Coach Sheridan this spring."
Stephen Wasil, '06, who has helped Albion quarterbacks achieve school records since joining the coaching staff in 2013, has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Defensive backs coach Justin Sweeney has added special teams and the coordination of the Britons recruiting to his duties. Tino Smith II will continue to coach the Britons receivers, but on a full time basis.
Wasil, the MIAA MVP who quarterbacked Albion to the league championship in 2005, has been coaching on the sideline as Dominic Bona (season and career completions, single game, season and career passing touchdowns, career passing yards) and Kyle Thomas (single game passing yards, single game total offense yards) have set school records.
Albion's offense was proficient during the 2018 season, ranking among the NCAA Division III leaders for first downs, total yards, rushing yards and scoring.
"Coach Wasil has been with me since we began running this offense in 2013," Beurer said. "He has been a great sounding board for me and has an excellent feel for what an opponent's defense is doing. Although he is one of the most decorated players in the history of our program, I feel he is an even better coach. Our players feed off of his knowledge and attention to detail. Coach Wasil has without a doubt earned this promotion as he has been my right-hand man the past several seasons."
Smith joined Albion's coaching staff on a part-time basis for the 2018 season. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., he played at Savannah State University (Division I Football Championship Subdivision) where he was a starter at quarterback and receiver.
Smith's inside receivers were among Albion's most productive during the 2018 season. Tight end Brian Blanzy was an all-MIAA first team pick after leading the Britons with 662 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Lining up in the slot, Collin Poore led the Britons with 40 receptions.
"Coach Smith is an excellent teacher of fundamentals and techniques and his understanding of our scheme grew exponentially," Beurer said. "He has made an incredible impact on our skill players in his short time in our program. Our players appreciate that he recently just finished playing at a high level and he gained their trust and respect immediately."
Sweeney, a former assistant at Central Michigan University, Ferris State University and Mount Pleasant High School, completed his second year with the Britons in 2018.
Albion's special teams unit ranked among the best in the MIAA in 2018, as punter Sam Blanzy and kicker Andrew Fabry were all-MIAA first team selections.
"Coach Sweeney has had a tremendous impact on our program since he got here," Beurer said. "He is extremely detail oriented and outworks everyone. He is a great teacher of technique and coaches with passion and enthusiasm. He will take over our special teams, where his attention to detail and enthusiasm will help those units improve. Coach Sweeney is also a relentless recruiter and has transitioned into our recruiting coordinator."
Defensive line coach D.J. Rehberg, '96, and running backs coach Al Slamer will continue in their part time roles.
"I am excited that Coach Rehberg and Coach Slamer have agreed to stay a part of the program," Beurer said. "These men provide immense experience, teaching skills, and excellent player relationships."
Follow the Britons on Twitter: @AlbionFootball