Story Submitted By Ashland University
In the 1960s, Elvis Presley sang "Home Is Where The Heart Is."
That sentiment always was been evident with Doug Geiser when it comes to Ashland University and its football program. And, as announced by AU Director of Athletics Al King on Tuesday (Jan. 3) afternoon, Geiser will stay home and become the program's 15th head coach.
"I don't think my feet have touched the ground since I received the call from Al," said Geiser. "This is a dream job because Ashland is a very special place. It's one of the best jobs in Division II football. I'm both honored and humbled to have been chosen for this position."
Geiser officially takes over for Lee Owens, who announced his retirement on Dec. 2 following a 19-year tenure leading the Ashland football program. Geiser had been the program's interim head coach for the last month, and had been on Owens' staff every year since both came to campus prior to the 2004 season.
"I'm excited to introduce Doug as our head football coach," King said. "Throughout the search process, we talked about integrity, commitment and work ethic. Doug exemplifies all of those attributes. He's committed to giving our student-athletes a quality experience. Doug's vision aligns with the goals and objectives of the department and the university. He'll represent Ashland University with class and poise."
For Geiser, being named Eagles head coach continues a football coaching ascent that began at his alma mater, Triway High School in nearby Wooster, Ohio, in 1990. Following five seasons as a high school assistant at three stops, Geiser joined the University of Akron coaching staff under Owens – first as a graduate assistant in 1995-96, then as tight ends coach and video coordinator from 1997-2003.
Geiser came to Ashland with Owens, spending the last 16 years as associate head coach, and also serving as offensive line coach, run game coordinator and pro liaison. He helped the Eagles to a 137-61 overall record (.692 winning percentage), and was on the staff for six D-II playoff appearances, the program's first three D-II postseason wins (all at home), and four conference championships – three in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the 2022 Great Midwest Athletic Conference title.
In addition to the team success, some of the notable accomplishments for Geiser's pupils in his time at AU include:
- Seven All-American offensive linemen - Blake Dickson, Vince Cashdollar, Reggie Gamble, Justin Magruder, Zachary Douglass, Dominic Giunta and John Conner.
- Offensive linemen who have earned seven All-Great Midwest and 30 All-GLIAC honors.
- Twelve 1,000-yard rushing seasons, the program's all-time rushing yards record has been broken, the program record for rushing yards in a season has been broken three times, the program mark for rushing yards by a freshman was beaten twice, and the AU mark for single-game rushing yards has been eclipsed twice.
A program which began in 1920, Ashland football has won 520 games all-time, and boasts three undefeated seasons, two other undefeated regular seasons, eight NCAA Division II postseason appearances, three D-II postseason wins, 17 conference championships, two College Football Hall of Famers, 19 first-team All-Americans, 22 Academic All-Americans, and three members of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team.
Geiser follows in the line of the previous three Eagle head coaches, who combined spanned more than six decades – College Football Hall of Famer Dr. Fred Martinelli (1959-93), Ashland University Hall of Famer Gary Keller (1994-2003), and Owens.
"The tradition of Ashland football is very strong," said Geiser. "We intend to build upon the legacy of those great men who have led the program in the past, men such as George Donges, Bob Brownson, Hall of Famer Dr. Fred Martinelli, Gary Keller, and future Hall of Famer Lee Owens. They preached that 'being an Eagle' was about the pursuit of excellence in all areas of your life – on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. They established the culture that is Ashland football.
"Our goal is to build upon that legacy and to take Eagle football to heights it's never before seen, on and off the field."
As for the coaching staff moving into the 2023, Geiser said the changes will be minimal.
"We'll obviously have to add a coach to fill my position, but the staff will stay intact for the most part," he said. "They have achieved at a high level in the past, and, out of respect for their efforts and with a sense of loyalty, I would love for them to be a part of our program moving forward. This accomplished staff helped us to win a conference championship and qualify for the NCAA playoffs in 2022.
"What a great advantage it is to have them continue as a part of Eagle football. That stability in leadership is key for our current players and our recruits."
A 1992 graduate of Cornell, Geiser is married to wife Amy, and they are the parents of twin girls, Abigail and Rebecca. His birthdate is June 4, 1968.