INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University head football coach John Pennington announced today the promotion of two assistant coaches to coordinator positions. Rashad Jackson has been named Defensive Coordinator, while Matt Cavallaro has been named Offensive Coordinator.

Jackson, who joined the WVSU staff after a decorated career as both a collegiate player and high school coach, brings a proven track record of building winning defenses. His coaching career includes transforming defenses at Oceanside Collegiate Academy from a winless team to a region champion, leading Glenville State to the top of the conference in interceptions, and guiding multiple high school programs to historic playoff appearances and championships. Jackson is also a two-time Palm Beach County Coach of the Year and has helped send more than 60 athletes to college football programs at all levels. He spent his playing days as a Cornerback for Marshall University in 2009 and 2010.

"I'm truly grateful for the trust and support from our players, staff, and community, and I'm looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Go state!" Jackson said.

Cavallaro, a former quarterback at West Virginia University, Idaho State, and Lackawanna College, rose through the coaching ranks with experience at the collegiate and high school levels. Most recently at Faulkner University, Cavallaro elevated the team's passing attack, helped develop multiple quarterbacks to high statistical marks, and was promoted to Offensive Coordinator late in the season. His offensive philosophy blends RPO principles with tempo and vertical passing concepts learned under coaches such as Graham Harrell, Neal Brown, and Cody Hawkins.

"I am thrilled to be here at West Virginia State. Coach Pennington has done a tremendous job building this program and I am grateful for the opportunity he has given me," Cavallaro said.

 

"[Coach Jackson] is an excellent leader who knows our system and a coach that our players will run through a wall for," Pennington said, "and Coach Cavallaro is a rising star in the coaching profession and is ready to lead the Yellow Jacket offense. We have a long history of developing coaches at West Virginia State and I have no doubt that Rashad and Matt are going to make their mark in the Mountain East Conference!"

Both coordinators will assume their new roles immediately as the Yellow Jackets prepare for the upcoming season.

About WVSU

West Virginia State University is a founding member of the Mountain East Conference. Follow WVSU Athletics on Facebook (@wvsuathletics), Instagram (@wvsuathletics), and X (@wvsu_gojackets)