ELMHURST, Ill.- Elmhurst University football and head coach Mike Murray has announced the addition of three new staff members to the Bluejay football staff.

Kyle Avaloy, Dru Richardson, and Joe Furco have been added as members of Murray's first staff. Furco will serve as the team's offensive coordinator while Richardson heads up the defensive side of the ball as defensive coordinator, and Avaloy will develop Bluejay offensive lineman as the offensive line coach.

Additionally, Jim Phelps will continue his role at Elmhurst under Coach Murray as an assistant coach.

JOE FURCO- ASSISTANT COACH, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Furco, one of the greatest quarterbacks in Elmhurst history and a starter for Bluejays from 2009-2012, returns to his alma mater after spending the past four seasons at the College of DuPage as their offensive coordinator. Furco also made stops at Loras College in 2013 as passing game coordinator, Syracuse from 2014-15 as a graduate assistant, and Maryland in 2016 as a graduate assistant.

Furco's name is littered throughout the Bluejay record books, holding all-time records in total touchdowns (72), total net offensive yards (8,113), pass attempts (1,137) and completions (655), passing yards (8,002), and touchdown passes (67). Furco holds degrees from Elmhurst and the University of Maryland, and currently resides in Lisle with his wife, Angela, daughter, Addi, and son, Brady.

"I was able to watch Coach Furco during his playing days as the quarterback at Elmhurst during the program's most successful years. He has continued to achieve as he started his coaching career and blended his skills in the business world. I'm very proud to have him as part of this staff to help lead us back to success" Murray said of Coach Furco.

DRU RICHARDSON- ASSISTANT COACH, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Richardson comes to Elmhurst following one season as the defensive backs coach and academic coordinator at Illinois Wesleyan. Richardson also made stops at Berry College from 2020-22 as a defensive backs and strength and conditioning coach, Ohio Northern from 2018-20 as safeties coach, and Roosevelt University as a graduate assistant from 2016-18.

A four-year letterwinner at Robert Morris University (currently Roosevelt University) from 2012-2016, Richardson was a member of the NAIA's top rushing defense in 2014 as a defensive back, allowing 75.8 rushing yards per game and leading his team to a 29-14 record in his time at Robert Morris. Richardson owns a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris, where he also graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a member of the Sigma Beta Delta honor society, and Roosevelt University with a master's degree in management with a Sports Administration concentration.

"Coach Richardson and I have worked together before, and that experience gave me great insight to his strong character, his knowledge of the game, and his desire to compete at the highest level. We are excited for him to work with our student-athletes, and welcome him to Elmhurst" Murray said of Coach Richardson.

KYLE AVALOY- ASSISTANT COACH, OFFENSIVE LINE

Avaloy comes to Elmhurst after multiple stops across the collegiate and high school level. He spent last season at Lincoln Way Central High School as their running backs coach and run game coordinator, and also spent the 2017 season at Lincoln Way Central as the team's head sophomore offensive coordinator and assistant varsity offensive coordinator. He also spent three years at the University of Dubuque as the team's defensive line coach from 2019-22.

A three-year starter on the offensive line at Illinois State, Avaloy played a key role for the 2014 team that made the FCS National Championship game while making the FCS playoffs all four years during his time with the Redbirds. Avaloy earned second team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in 2015 and earned numerous MVC Player of the Week honors throughout his collegiate career. After a stellar career in Bloomington, Avaloy attended rookie mini camps for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears in 2017 before transitioning to the Arena Football League where he played with the Maine Mammoths and Philadelphia Souls from 2018-19.

"Coach Avaloy has had the opportunity to play in a championship program, having experienced playing in the FCS National Championship game. His background matches what we are trying to build here at Elmhurst, and I am excited for him to join the Bluejay family" Murray said of Coach Avaloy.

JIM PHELPS- ASSISTANT COACH

Phelps will be entering his third season as an assistant coach for the Bluejays and his first under Coach Murray. Phelps, a three-year letterwinner at linebacker for the Bluejays from 2015-19, he ranked fourth on the team in tackles and recorded six tackles for loss in the 2018 season.

After graduating from Elmhurst, Phelps connected with Murray at Roosevelt University where he served as a graduate assistant working with the team's defensive ends, linebackers, and nickelbacks. He also spent time coaching at Eastern Illinois as an assistant defensive line coach.

"Having had the opportunity to work with Coach Phelps in the past, it gave me a first-hand look at his tremendous work ethic, passion for coaching and love for his alma mater, Elmhurst University. I am proud to have him continue to serve our student-athletes and be a part of our Bluejay community" Murray said of Coach Phelps.

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