ELMHURST, Ill. - Elmhurst University Head Football Coach Mike Heffernan has finalized a dynamic and experienced coaching staff, blending new energy with established leadership to elevate the Bluejays both on and off the field.

Kenny Treschitta takes over as defensive coordinator, bringing over a decade of experience as a head coach and coordinator. Most recently, he led the defense at the University of New England, where he was the first assistant hired to help build the program from scratch. Under his leadership, UNE became nationally ranked in categories such as pass defense, blocked kicks, red zone defense, and turnovers gained. He coached numerous all-conference players and played a vital role in developing one of the top academic and athletic cultures in the Commonwealth Coast Conference. Treschitta briefly served as the first head coach at Schreiner University in 2024, and now brings that unique perspective to Elmhurst.

"Coach Treschitta has not only been a head coach and a defensive coordinator for almost a decade, but also did it with start-up programs," Heffernan said of Coach Treschitta. "Those are very special and unique situations in college football, which allows him to bring an entirely different perspective and will add to the building of our specific team and culture."

Jake Tahaney steps into the role of offensive coordinator after a successful return to his alma mater in 2023 as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. A 2020 Elmhurst graduate and former dual-sport athlete in football and track, Tahaney previously coached at Alma College, where he helped guide the Scots to a conference title and an NCAA playoff win. At Elmhurst, he was a three-year letterwinner at both quarterback and receiver, earning three academic all-conference honors and four all-conference track accolades.

"Anytime you have an opportunity to hire or keep an alum, a brother, someone who wants it as much as you do, it's so very special," Heffernan said of Coach Tahaney. "Jake is a BlueJay through and through. I know that this job, position, title, is all personal. It's personal to me too."

Cam Celetti joins the Bluejays as linebackers coach and strength and conditioning coordinator. A graduate of the University of Mount Union, where he was part of the 2017 national championship team, Celetti has previously coached at The College of St. Scholastica with Coach Heffernan, handling linebacker and defensive line responsibilities while running the team's strength program. He has also worked in sports performance and event management in the golf industry. 

"He is someone I've hired a couple times now, brought him with me, because of his clear commitment to our student-athletes and the vision of our program," Heffernan said of Coach Celetti. "He knows what we need and want in the weight room, on the field, and in the classroom. His work ethic will be contagious."

Colin Madison returns for his third season as offensive line coach. A former All-MAC lineman and team captain at Temple University, Madison spent seven years playing professionally in the Arena Football League after signing with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He earned Offensive Lineman of the Year honors and won the 2015 ArenaBowl with the San Jose SaberCats. His coaching background includes roles at Eastern University and Willowbrook High School, where he also coached wrestling and track.

"By trade I am an offensive line coach, so the offensive line and the offensive line coach are in a different situation when it comes to me, as the head coach," Heffernan said. "Coach Madison is hungry, knowledgeable, can relate well with the guys, and really wants to be a master at his craft. His playing experience in the NFL, lessons in life he wants to share, and his relentless want to get better are all focused towards making our young men better."

Heffernan also announced a host of volunteer and graduate assistant coaches. Anthony Grazinni will guide the Bluejays' defensive line, while Jim Kennealey will oversee the outside linebackers. On the offensive side, Marcus Dunnigan joins the program as the wide receivers coach. Rounding out the additions is graduate assistant Mike Henry, who will work with the defensive backs.

The Bluejays open the 2025 football season at Langhorst Field on Saturday, September 13, at 1:00 p.m. against Rockford University.