Football | 3/27/2013 8:00:00 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.— Head Football Coach Dave Eavenson announced today he will step down as Methodist University's head football coach.

As a result of the announcement, and combined with an increased emphasis on growing the University's academic and athletic programs, Methodist University is pleased to announce a realignment of staff positions within the Athletic Department.

“I look to the future with confidence and excitement,” said Bob McEvoy, director of athletics. “The administrative changes will make our department even stronger, grow our athletic programs, and enable us to provide more support, programming, and oversight for our over 500 student-athletes and staff members.”
 
Assistant Director of Athletics  
 
Following Eavenson's personal decision to step down from the head coaching position, the University named him assistant director of athletics. Eavenson, a graduate of Methodist who spent 14 years on the Monarchs coaching staff, most recently served since 2011 as the team's head coach.

“I am extremely excited about the new vision for the future of Methodist University and its Athletic Department” said Eavenson. “As a proud graduate of Methodist, I look forward to contributing to the University and staying connected with the students in this expanded capacity.”

While Eavenson was at the helm as head coach, the Monarchs finished the 2012 season at 5-5 overall and 4-3 in the USA South, winning each of their final three games, including two in overtime and a come-from-behind, 30-29, win over conference champion Christopher Newport in the season finale. The five wins marked the most in a single season for Methodist since 2007, when the Monarchs also finished at 5-5. When the USA South Athletic Conference announced its 2012 All-Conference teams, 13 MU players football players were honored by the USA South Athletic Conference, which were the most recognitions the team had received since 2005.

“Methodist University defines itself in terms of its commitment to excellence,” said President Ben Hancock. “This commitment applies to the institution's strategic plan, master plan, and vision for athletics. With these changes, we are well poised to move forward and achieve our bold goals.”

In Eavenson's new position as assistant director of athletics, he will assist with the management of 20 NCAA Division III athletic teams. His responsibilities will include the oversight of student-athlete recruitment and compliance duties, and other athletic affairs, to include fundraising and programming. In the fall of 2010, the University completed a $1.2 million renovation to the football field house, which features the coaching staff offices, fully-equipped weight room, meeting and film rooms and the football locker rooms. The University's Athletic Department will continue moving forward with expansion and improvement efforts, and Eavenson's involvement in his new capacity will assist with future initiatives.

“Coach Eavenson is a valued alumnus and employee, and his many contributions have helped build the outstanding reputation of not only our football program, but of every aspect of our University,” said President Hancock. “Signature people like Dave get things done. Signature people like Dave are committed to excellence. We now look forward to benefitting from Dave's talents as he serves in another capacity at Methodist.”
 
Head Football Coach
 
The University has named Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator C.J. Goss head football coach.

“Coach C.J. Goss is a self-starter with an extremely high work ethic, and a great level of passion and commitment to Methodist University,” said McEvoy. “C.J. will continue to develop the football program at MU.”

Goss came to Methodist in 2005 following five years of service as defensive line coach at Brockport State.

“Methodist University is a unique and special place, and I have been fortunate to witness its unprecedented growth since 2005 as an assistant football coach,” said Goss. “As the leader of Methodist University's football program, I am motivated to recruit quality student-athletes who are committed to academic success, leadership, and service.”

In 2006, Goss coached All-American George Sands, and in 2005, Goss coached three All-Conference wide
receivers that helped break numerous individual and team passing records.

“The years ahead present an exciting opportunity to grow fundamentally, both on and off the playing field,” said Goss. “The current coaching staff will continue to guide this program to a new platform, while building on its current successes.”

A native of Syracuse, N.Y., Goss was a part of a Brockport State program that advanced to the NCAA Division III Playoffs for four straight seasons from 2000 to 2003. He was a part of a defensive staff that molded Brockport State into one of the top defenses in the nation, leading the nation in scoring defense twice while being ranked in the top five in several defensive categories. While at Brockport, Goss coached four All-Americans. In addition to his football duties, Goss was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the track and field program at Brockport State.
 
Senior Associate Athletic Director | Senior Woman Administrator (SWA)
Women's Basketball Head Coach
           
Associate Athletic Director/SWA and Women's Basketball Head Coach DeeDee Jarman has been named senior associate athletic director, in addition to her other duties as senior woman administrator and head women's basketball coach. Jarman, a native of Kinston, N.C., is in her 16th season at the helm of the women's basketball team, and her 18th season at Methodist University. She is currently in her 13th year as the senior woman administrator for the Methodist athletic department, and in July of 2004, she added associate athletic director to her duties.

“I see this as an opportunity for Methodist University to take its athletic programs to an entirely new level,” said Jarman. “This new administrative team will ensure our student-athletes have the resources to fulfill their full potential on the athletic fields, as well as in the classrooms.”

Jarman's community engagement and fundraising outreach extends far beyond the basketball court. Since the Women's Basketball Coaches Association began “Pink Zone” (formerly “Think Pink”) in 2007 as an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball, the Monarchs have championed the cause under Jarman's leadership, raising more than $30,000 in support of breast cancer awareness. The national event was rebranded in 2012, and now operates as “Play 4Kay.”

Of her new position, Jarman said, “This new endeavor will allow me to grow personally as well as professionally. I look forward to this opportunity. Go Monarchs!”

Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with over 2,200 students from 41 states and 53 countries. Methodist University offers over 80 majors and concentrations, 100 clubs and organizations, four master's degree programs, and 19 NCAA III intercollegiate sports. For more information, please contact Sports Information Director Nate Jervey at 910.630.7172 or sportsinfo@methodist.edu.