James Bell chosen as Taylor University Head Football Coach
http://www.taylor.edu/community/news/coach_02-17-06.htm
Bell Chosen to Lead Taylor FootballFebruary 17, 2006
The Taylor University athletic department announces the hiring of James Bell to fill the position of head football coach.
Bell, who has been coaching in the collegiate ranks for 25 years, comes to Taylor following a three-year stint as head coach at NCAA Div. I Jackson State.
"James Bell is the kind of person who has the kind of heart, the kind of Christian commitment, the kind of attitude, the kind of ability, and the kind of connections that will see the University produce winners not only off the field but also on the field in the years ahead," said Dr. Eugene B. Habecker, Taylor president.
?I think we can expect great things under Coach Bell?s leadership. And I am personally thrilled that he has accepted our invitation to be the head football coach at Taylor University,? he added.
"I am excited about getting on board with Taylor University,? said Bell. ?President Habecker has a vibrant vision for Taylor, and we are ready to join in that vision of excellence. I want to do my part to be a positive contributor to the athletic department and to the University as a whole."
Athletic Director David Bireline said Bell brings strong credentials to the Taylor program. "Taylor athletics is very excited about Coach Bell and the whole-person approach he exhibits,? he said. ?Not only has his football background allowed him to work with some of the country's leading coaches, his educational background will allow him to contribute to the PHP department. We are looking forward to his leadership in the football program."
Bell comes with a reputation as a defensive innovator, having held defensive coordinator positions at the University of North Texas, Wake Forest University, and Indiana University, in addition to serving as defensive backs coach at the University of Louisville. During Bell?s tenure, IU became the second most improved defense in the nation during the 2001 season, going from 38.8 to 27.1 points allowed per game.
During the 1997 season at Wake Forest, Bell?s Demon Deacons? defense ranked 10th nationally in opponents? runners, allowing only 96.1 rushing yards per game. The 1999 Wake Forrest team held opponents to 18.7 points per game (18th in NCAA Division I) and won the Jeep Aloha Bowl enroute to a 7-5 record.
Prior to heading to Wake Forest, Bell helped lead North Texas to a Southland Conference championship.
While heading up the defensive backfield at Louisville, the Cardinals became the 1993 Liberty Bowl champions. Overall five defensive backs under Bell's direction have been drafted by NFL teams.
Bell has enjoyed a career filled with working side-by-side some of the top names in football. At Louisville, he coached under the legendary Howard Snellenberger. While at Wake Forest, Bell teamed with current Indianapolis Colts quarterback coach Jim Caldwell. During his stint at IU, Bell served with Cam Cameron, who has since become the offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers.
Caldwell, who has spoken at Taylor football meetings several times in recent years, said Bell will be a strong positive influence, "James Bell is an outstanding Christian coach, father and husband who will be a tremendous asset to the Taylor University community,? he stated. ?James will provide great leadership while developing a winning philosophy without compromising his Christian values. He is an intelligent taskmaster with an unusual ability to organize, recruit and create an atmosphere for success on and off the field."
He earned his bachelor's degree from Central Arkansas, where he was a honorable mention NAIA All-American. He received his master's degree in education and athletic administration from Northwest Missouri State.
Bell and his wife, Alfreida, have a daughter Curtisha, age 21, and a seven-year-old son, Aeneas.
:shame: He is good for about 3 wins a year.:lmao: Glad he their and not back with J-State