Brian Vaganek joined Head Coach Chris Pincince’s staff in February of 2014, bringing an extensive coaching background, which included 12 years of NCAA Division I experience. Vaganek will serve as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator.
Vaganek was most recently the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at the University of Rhode Island where he spent three seasons. During his tenure with the Rams he coached five All-Conference selections, including linebacker Andrew Bose who earned All-CAA Football honors in 2012 and 2013.
In 2011, Vaganek coached Willie McGinnis, now a member of the Cleveland Gladiators in the Arena Football League, helping him earn second-team All-CAA honors. McGinnis ranked third among defensive tackles in the conference with 66 tackles, including 10 for a loss. As a unit, the Rams ranked fifth in the CAA in rushing defense at 147.3 yards per game. Prior to the 2014 NFL season, McGinnis was in camp with the Cleveland Browns.
Prior to arriving in Kingston, Vaganek spent four years at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va. During his four-year tenure, the Captains posted a 26-15 mark, including trips to the NCAA Playoffs in 2008 and 2010. In 2008, his defense limited opponents to just 20.1 points per game and forced 24 fumbles.
Vaganek began his coaching career at Highland (Kansas) Community College as the defensive line coach. He later served six years on the staff at William & Mary (1995-2000) before moving on to Hofstra University where he coached from 2001-2003. He also coached one year at Fort Scott (Kansas) Community College in 1994 and eventually returned for a two-year stint as head coach from 2004-05.
The New York native is a 1993 graduate of Temple University, where he played four years as an offensive lineman and long snapper. Vaganek and his wife Jeanette are the proud parents of Brian, Jr. and Julia.
