Alfred State athletic director Jason Doviak has announced the hiring of Scott Linn as the new executive head football coach for the Pioneers. Linn becomes the fourth coach in the history of the football program at Alfred State.
He replaces Jared Dodson, who spent the past two years at the helm of the Pioneers, compiling a 2-18 mark.
Linn comes to Alfred State after spending the last four seasons as the offensive coordinator at Alfred. He was in charge of all aspects of the offensive staff, game plan, and practice preparation. He helped guide four players to All-American honors and aided the Saxons to the NCAA quarterfinals and a school-record 12 victories in 2016. Linn also served as the kickers and kickoff return team coach as well as serving as the football team strength and conditioning coordinator.
Doviak is thrilled to have Linn join the Pioneer family. "Coach Linn has had tremendous success as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division III level as an offensive coordinator and special teams coach," Doviak said. "His vision for our football program aligns well with our departmental and institutional philosophy. He possesses outstanding integrity and leadership qualities that further illustrates his readiness to be our next coach. Coach Linn will bring a culture of success to our program and we are excited about the future for Pioneer football."
Alfred State president Skip Sullivan shares Doviak's excitement: "I am excited to have a new coach that has been involved in promoting and delivering a culture of winning. While the program will be building, we are confident in our current player's skills and look forward to the new leadership and successes on the field."
Linn is eager to get started. "I could not be more excited and honored to become the executive head football coach at Alfred State. I want to thank President Sullivan, and Jason Doviak, for their trust and confidence in me to lead our student-athletes. You can expect a Pioneer football program that is going to compete in everything we do, from on the field, to in the classroom, and in helping out in the community."
Prior to his time on the Alfred coaching staff, Linn spent from 2009-2014 on the coaching staff at Hartwick. During his time there he held numerous roles including assistant head coach (2012-14), special teams coordinator (2012-2014), recruiting coordinator (2012-2014), defensive backs coach (2012-2014), strength and conditioning coordinator (2011-2014), academic coordinator (2011-2014), linebackers coach (2011-2012), and defensive line coach (2009-2011).
Linn started his coaching career at his alma mater, Albion as a tight ends and fullbacks coach in 2006. He spent the next spring working as a volunteer with the Eastern Michigan football program before accepting a graduate assistant coaching job at Alfred. He spent the 2007 and 2008 seasons with the Saxons coaching the running backs.
On the playing field, Linn was a fullback on a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletics Association conference champion team at Albion, where he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education. He received his master's degree in education while at Alfred.
Linn has been a member of the American Football Coaches Association since 2007 and been active in community service projects with Hornell Concern for Youth, Read Across America, and Be the Match. He will begin his duties at Alfred State this week.
The 2018 season kicks off on Sept. 1 when the team welcomes Mass-Dartmouth to Pioneer Stadium.