WACO, TEX. - Longtime Villanova University offensive line coach Mark Ferrante has been named the FCS Assistant Coach of the Year by The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Each year the AFCA names one assistant from the five divisions of college football.

The Assistant Coach of the Year Award was first presented in 1997 and was created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment to the student-athlete, on-field coaching success and AFCA professional organization involvement.

"Once again, five outstanding assistant coaches have been selected for their dedication, not only to their teams, but to their communities," said AFCA Executive Director Grant Teaff. "Often times, the head coach receives much of the credit for his team's success, but any head coach is only as good as his assistants. Much of an assistant coach's work is done behind the scenes. It is our pleasure to bring it to the forefront."

Joining Ferrante as 2015 honorees are Don Brown (FBS: Defensive Coordinator-Boston College), Ben Martin (Division II: Special Teams/Linebackers-Colorado Mesa University), Jim Ryan (Division III: Defensive Coordinator-Washington (Mo.) University) and Mike Gutelius (NAIA: Defensive Coordinator-Lindsey Wilson College).

Ferrante just completed his 29th season at Villanova in 2015, including the 17th as the program's Assistant Head Coach. During his Wildcat coaching career, Ferrante has coached 11 All-East performers, 15 first team All-Conference players, three All-Americans and one NFL draft pick. He has also helped the Wildcats to 11 NCAA playoff berths, six conference titles, three national semifinal appearances and the 2009 National Championship.

Joining the Villanova staff in February, 1987, Ferrante was already familiar with head coach Andy Talley's philosophy. Ferrante played quarterback for Talley before joining his coaching staff at St. Lawrence University. As a player, Ferrante was team captain of the 1982 St. Lawrence team that finished 10-1 and made it to the Division III national semifinals. In 1982, Ferrante was named the Division III Player of the Year, as well as earning first team All-East honors.

Ferrante and the other winners of the Assistant Coach of the Year Award will receive a plaque to commemorate the award. They will be honored at the President's Kickoff Luncheon on Monday, January 11, at the 2016 AFCA Convention in San Antonio, Texas.