Dec. 9, 2008

Villanova, Pa. - Villanova University head football coach Andy Talley has been named American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 2008 Region I Coach of the Year. The AFCA recognizes five regional Coach of the Year winners in each of the association's five divisions (FBS, FCS, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA). The winners are selected by active members of the AFCA who vote for coaches in their respective regions and divisions.

Talley earns the honor after leading the Wildcats to a 10-3 overall record and a 7-1 CAA conference mark. Villanova finished the regular season ranked No. 6 in the country and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the FCS playoffs. The 10-win season marks the fourth time during Talley's regime that he has guided the Wildcats to a 10 or more win campaign. It was also the seventh playoff appearance for Talley at Villanova.

This is the fourth time in Talley's career that he has earned AFCA Region Coach of the Year honors. He garnered the award in his fourth season at St. Lawrence University in 1982 and also in 1991 and 1997 at Villanova.

Talley just concluded his 24th season as the Wildcat head coach. His current Villanova coaching record stands at 165-101-1 and his 29th-year overall coaching mark is 193-119-2.