Kirk Ciarrocca Named Quarterbacks Coach
09/01/2011 | Football
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND -- University of Richmond interim head football coach Wayne Lineburg has named former Rutgers University quarterbacks coach Kirk Ciarrocca to the same position on the Spiders' staff.
Ciarrocca (pronounced "sure-ROCK-a"), who was the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for his final two seasons with the Scarlet Knights, spent six years prior as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Delaware where he won a National Championship in 2003 and mentored current Baltimore Ravens starting QB Joe Flacco.
"Kirk brings a tremendous offensive mind to our staff," said Lineburg. "I've know him for quite some time, having faced his offenses when I was an assistant at both Richmond and William & Mary. He's a well-respected assistant coach and we're excited to have him join our program."
Richmond returns a number of prolific offensive players in 2011, including QB Aaron Corp, who enters his senior season regarded as one of the leading pro-QB prospects in the FCS.
"I'm honored to have the opportunity to join Coach Lineburg and his staff," said Ciarrocca. "The University of Richmond has established itself among the elite programs in the FCS and I'm excited for the opportunity to work with Aaron Corp and the other talented student-athletes Richmond has at the quarterback position."
On the Rutgers staff for three seasons, Ciarrocca was the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the final two years after leading the wide receivers in 2008. He guided true freshman QB Tom Savage to Freshman All-America honors in 2009 and the BIG EAST record for most passing yards by a true freshman. In 2008, he coached all-time Rutgers and BIG EAST leading receiver Kenny Britt, who became the Scarlet Knights' first-ever first-round draft pick.
While at Delaware, Ciarrocca was instrumental in the development of Flacco, who was drafted in the first round by Baltimore in 2008. In his six seasons, Delaware compiled a 52-26 record, advanced to the NCAA Playoffs three times, won two conference championships and claimed the 2003 National Championship.
In 2007, the Blue Hens were paced by three consensus All-Americans on offense -- including Flacco, leading the CAA in scoring, total offense, and passing offense and advancing to the National Championship Game.
Ciarrocca began his collegiate coaching career at Temple as a graduate assistant from 1990-91. While at Temple, he earned both a bachelor's degree and masters of education.
Prior to joining the Delaware staff, Ciarrocca spent two seasons as wide receivers coach at the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, he helped the Quakers post a record of 7-3 in 2000 and 8-1 in 2001. The Quakers were Ivy League Champions in 2000 and league runner-up in 2001.
A native of Lewisberry, Pa., Ciarrocca's first coaching stint came an assistant at Red Land High School and St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia before arriving at Temple.
Ciarrocca and his wife Kim are the parents of daughter Colby and son Cade.
