Reggie Gamble has grown up within the Ashland University football program – first as a key cog in the Eagles' rise to the NCAA Division II postseason, then as an assistant coach for even more playoff success, and, now as AU's offensive coordinator.
Ashland head coach has announced Gamble's promotion to offensive coordinator, while Gamble will continue his position coaching duties with the AU tight ends and fullbacks, as well as continue his work as the program's academic coordinator.
"I'm excited. It's a big, big, big honor and a huge challenge," Gamble said. "What this offense has been able to accomplish since coach Owens has been here has been the best in school history. To be able to follow that up and still be with those guys on the same stuff, it's just an honor. These are coaches I've worked with most of my adult life, as a player and now as a coach.
"I've grown up in the system, and seeing it evolve…it's something I'm excited about. I'm just blessed to have the opportunity."
"Any time we've charged Reggie with an assignment, he's done a really good job," said Owens. "He's really been effective as a tackle/tight end coach, he's coached a couple All-Americans here, he's coached a guy who is in the (National Football) League right now.
"We've had a couple of our best semesters academically since I've been here (recently), and I credit Reggie for a lot of that. On top of that, he's really grown as an offensive football coach. He's got some great ideas, players respect him, he's one guy on our offensive staff where there's not as big a generational gap as there is with the others. He commands their respect. It's one more opportunity to grow."
Both Owens and Gamble are looking forward to the day when the Eagles are back on the field, and they can utilize skill-position talent such as quarterback Austin Brenner, tailbacks and Weston Bridges, wide receiver and tight end Austin Phillips.
"We have a chance to be pretty good," Owens said.
Said Gamble, "It's going to provide us a chance to be pretty dynamic. That's the beauty of the offense. When a guy's going, a guy's going. Finding ways to get those kids the ball. Every week, we do a phenomenal job as a staff of game-planning and finding ways to get our playmakers the ball."
Gamble's previous work as a position coach includes mentoring NFL second-round pick and current Miami Dolphins tight end Adam Shaheen. As an Eagle offensive tackle, Gamble was an NCAA Division II honorable mention All-American and second-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection in 2008, as well as All-GLIAC honorable mention in 2007. He started all four years at Ashland after coming to campus from nearby Mansfield Senior High School.
Gamble just started his stint as offensive coordinator, so while his coaching progression has been steady, he's not ready to think about a next possible step just yet.
"Make the job that you have the best job," he said. "Whatever comes from this will be because of me living in the moment with this job. You just try to put yourself in the best position possible."
Press release and photo courtesy of Ashland University**