Source: Chuck Amato will be defensive coordinator

Football

Terry Bowden said he wanted someone he could trust in charge of defense. Going further, Bowden insinuated this man would control the entire unit, almost exclusive of the head coach's intervention.

That man is reportedly Chuck Amato, the former head coach at N.C. State, according to FootballScoop.com.

The Web site also is reporting the following:

Akron: We have been told that Chuck Amato has accepted the defensive coordinator position. We hear that Todd Stroud will be joining the staff as defensive line coach (from Colorado State...but has worked with Amato before) and we hear that Terrell Buckley will coach the corners.

Akron: We hear former Maryville College head coach Tony Ierulli will likely be a part of Terry Bowden's staff as well.

Akron: John Pont (Miami Ohio defensive intern / linebackers) will have a spot on the staff and we hear Ben Murphy, director of football operations at North Alabama, will serve as his director of football operations.

Akron: We hear Mike Woodford will coach the safeties.

Men's basketball

Akron has a week off before beginning the gauntlet of MAC East games, five of the seven of which are on the road. The first game is Saturday evening at Miami.

The RedHawks are the Julian Mavunga show this year. They're only 4-7, but Charlie Coles' nonconference record is always deceiving.