Chip West has been hired as co-defensive coordinator/cornerbacks coach for the Charlotte 49ers football team.
In addition, head coach Brad Lambert has named current secondary coach James Adams as safeties coach, and Brad Queen, who served as a defensive line assistant last year, was promoted to defensive tackles coach. Recruiting coordinator Ulrick Edmonds will coach defensive ends, and recently hired defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer will coach the linebackers while West and Adams will split the secondary.
On offense, new offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery will coach the quarterbacks. Keith Henry returns as running backs coach. Run game coordinator Greg Adkins will oversee the offensive line while Johnson Richardson remains tight ends coach. Charlie Skalaski will oversee the receivers and continue his role as special teams coordinator.
“I’m really pleased with the group as a whole,” Lambert said. “It’s a group of good men and good leaders. There’s a lot of experience in each area. We’re really excited about getting started with our players with our full unit.”
West, who has 20 years of college coaching experience at Virginia, Old Dominion and James Madison, coached this past season at Howard University. He served as co-defensive coordinator, cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator for head coach Mike London as the Bison went 7-4 and held opponents to less than 25 points in seven of their final eight games. In six seasons at Virginia, he was cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator.
“He brings a lot of experience in the secondary and with cornerback play,” Lambert said. “He’s been a successful recruiting coordinator who has familiarity with North Carolina and Virginia. He brings experience from the ACC, and he was at ODU when they started that program. He comes highly recommended from coach London. We’re excited about the leadership he’ll bring to our corners. He’s the kind of man we want leading our players not only from a football standpoint but from a character standpoint.”
West said, “I’m ecstatic about coming to the 49ers. It’s a great opportunity. I’m grateful coach Lambert gave me the opportunity to become a member of the 49er family. I know North Carolina is the point of emphasis as far as recruiting and building a fence around the state. I also know Virginia has been a solid area in recruiting -- and my ties run deep. I’ve been blessed having success in recruiting the state of Virginia.”