AKRON – Rob Ianello, former assistant coach and interim head coach at Notre Dame, was named The University of Akron’s 26th head football coach – but just the sixth since 1960, UA president Dr. Luis Proenza and athletics director Tom Wistrcill announced Thursday afternoon at the Towpath Credit Union Press Level at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field.

“We are extremely excited to name Rob Ianello as our new head football coach,” Wistrcill said. “Rob’s experience with some of the top programs in the country, coupled with his recruiting prowess, made him stand out among a great group of candidates. He demonstrated to us a clear plan on how to build a complete championship program – one that has been successfully tested at other University’s around the country – and we are excited to help him execute that plan. He will be a great leader for the young men on our football team and a great part of the Akron community.”

Promoted to assistant head coach for offense in January 2009, Ianello led Notre Dame’s offensive staff meetings when head coach Charlie Weis was not present, while retaining his role as wide receivers coach. Most recently, Ianello served as interim head football coach for the Fighting Irish.

“First I want to thank Dr. Proenza, Tom (Wistrcill) and the Akron community for this opportunity,” Ianello said. “My family and I are thrilled to be at Akron and excited about the opportunity to lead this program. My life-long dream has been to run a football program at the highest level and there is no place better to begin that journey than right now at The University of Akron. The future is very bright for the Zips football program.”