Pacific took the first step in the construction of its football program Friday, announcing the hiring of Keith Buckley as coach in a news conference at the Multnomah Athletic Club.

Buckley arrives at Pacific after four seasons as part of the staff at UC Davis, a Division I FCS school, including the past two years as the assistant head coach. The hiring comes two months after Pacific's board of trustees voted in favor of addition of football to the school's current offering of 20 intercollegiate athletics programs. The Boxers are scheduled to return to the field for a full varsity schedule in the fall of 2010.

"This is a coach's dream," Buckley said of the opportunity. "There are few situations where you have the chance to build a program from the ground up, develop young talent and have a chance to put Pacific on the football map. I am excited for this opportunity, not only for me professionally but for my family."

Buckley's selection ends a national search over the past month that saw more than 125 individuals apply for the position.

"As the interview process went on, it became obvious that Keith would be a great fit for Pacific University," said athletic director Ken Schumann. "I am extremely pleased that we have attracted a seasoned Division I coach who not only has demonstrated success on the field, but who has a great understanding of the importance of academics with his work at both UC Davis and Stanford."

This will be Buckley's first coaching position of any kind at a non-scholarship program. He now faces the challenge of building the Pacific program from the ground up in a region rich with established programs. It is a challenge that he not only recognizes, but is prepared to tackle head-on.

"The toughest challenge will be building a roster and being ready for the 2010 season," Buckley said. "There are plenty of football players out there, though, with the talent and the intelligence to succeed at Pacific in both football and in the classroom."