Athletic Director Jackie Slaats and Head Football Coach Jim Catanzaro announced the resignation of offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Kevin Canty from the Forester football coaching staff late last week. Earlier today, they announced the promotion of current assistant coach Craig Kerr to the position.
"I want to thank Kevin for his contributions to Forester Football over the last two seasons. He has been a tireless worker and I know he will continue to find success as a football coach," stated Catanzaro.
"I am proud of the improvements that our offense was able to make in just one full calendar year," Canty began. "I know that the offense will only continue to improve. I appreciate the opportunities extended to me by both Coach Catanzaro and Coach Slaats."
In terms of replacing Canty, Catanzaro is pleased he has a highly capable offensive coach already on staff. "I am excited to announce the promotion of quarterbacks coach Craig Kerr to the position of offensive coordinator. Coach Kerr has been with us for the last two years and has demonstrated a tremendous knowledge of offensive football during his tenure. In addition, he has served as our passing game and recruiting coordinator the last two seasons excelling in both capacities. Coach Kerr is extremely well-respected by our players and other coaches and has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving Forester Football. He will provide creativity, along with much needed continuity in our offensive system."
"I am very excited about the opportunity to coordinate the offense for the upcoming season. Coach Canty did a great job building the offense over the last two years. We have a strong core of returning players on that side of the ball and my goal is to build upon the success we have had. I am grateful to Coach Slaats and Coach Cat for this opportunity and can't wait to get started on our planning for a successful 2011 season."
Kerr, who served as the quarterbacks coach the last two seasons, helped mentor senior Geoff Sobey. Sobey's 2009 season was one of the most prolific in school history as he completed 180 of 351 passes for 1966 yards and 16 touchdowns. Sobey's completion, attempt, yardage, and touchdown totals from that season all rank among the top four single-season marks in team history and he finished his career ranked among the program's top five in each of those categories. In addition, six school passing and receiving records have been broken or tied during the last two years.
Kerr previously served on the coaching staff at Wingate University, where he was the wide receivers coach in 2008 and the quarterback's coach in 2007. Kerr earned his bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and earned a master's degree in sports management from Wingate University in 2009.
