Virtually since Charlie Weis was announced as the new head coach in Lawrence, Kan., speculation began swirling regarding his coaching staff. Would any NFL names populate the list? What about holdovers from his five-year stint at Notre Dame?
One of the most frequent names to pop up on the radar was that of Rob Ianello. As the receivers coach and recruiting coordinator for Weis in South Bend, Ind., he helped land and develop players such as Jeff Samardzjia, Golden Tate, Michael Floyd and Maurice Stovall.
Ianello spent the 2010 and 2011 seasons as the head coach at Akron, but was let go following the conclusion of the most recent season.
His coaching resume is undeniably impressive, beginning with a three-year stint at Alabama from 1987 to 1989 as a graduate assistant and assistant recruiting coordinator. From there it was on to a four-year term at Wisconsin where he served as a recruiting coordinator until 1993.
In 1994 he joined the Arizona staff as recruiting coordinator, before being promoted to wide receivers coach as well in 1997.
In 2003 it was back to Wisconsin for a two year stint, first as tight ends coach and then, in 2004, as recruiting coordinator. From 2005-2009 he worked with Weis in South Bend, eventually earning the title of Assistant Head Coach.
Ianello joins Reggie Mitchell, Tim Grunhard and Ron Powlus as announced and confirmed members of Weis' coaching staff.