Glenn Caruso has been named Macalester head coach. The offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of South Dakota the past two years, Caruso is the 27th head coach in the 120-year history of the program.

"We have hired a phenomenal young coach with the experience, the vision, and the energy to transform our football program," Macalester athletic director Travis Feezell said. "His track record is exceptional and his references were glowing. Yet the piece that came through most strongly in his interview was a willingness to accept the challenges of building a successful football program at Macalester. Moreover, he was able to articulate a plan for meeting those challenges. He is special and I expect great things from him in the near future."

Caruso, 31, takes over for Dennis Czech, who resigned in November following eight years as head coach at Macalester. The Scots are coming off an 0-9 season and will look towards Caruso to rebuild the program.

"I am extremely excited to be a part of Macalester football," Caruso said. "I believe that there is a vision in place among the administration, beginning with President Rosenberg and Athletic Director Feezell, and I will proudly continue that vision as well as represent the school as the face of the football program.

"College football has forever been a passion of mine, and being a Division III head coach has been a long time dream that comes true today. I embrace the qualities that small college football represents. They are a part of my collegiate roots, and now, will become a part of my professional future. ... I've never been one to shy away challenges or work, and as far as I'm concerned, there is no greater challenge out there than Macalester football 2006."

In his first season as offensive coordinator for the South Dakota Coyotes, Caruso directed an offense that set 27 school records, including points scored and total yardage. This past season, South Dakota went 9-2 while averaging 49.7 points and 583 yards per game. The Coyotes ranked first nationally in Division II in total offense and scoring, and ninth in passing offense. His quarterback this past season at USD finished second in the voting for the Harlon Hill Trophy, the award presented to the top NCAA Division II player in the country.

Prior to coming to USD, Caruso served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for one year at UW-Eau Claire. He was also offensive coordinator and running backs coach at North Dakota State in 2002-03 and was an assistant coach at NDSU since 1997.

At Eau Claire, Caruso"s impact was also felt immediately as he directed an offense which averaged 33 points and rolled up 417 yards in offense per game in addition to 287 passing yards per game. Eau Claire scored at least 36 points in six of its 10 games. Caruso was also the community service coordinator and professional player liaison for the Blugolds.

During his tenure at NDSU, he was also a running backs and tights ends coach and helped with various special teams. He coached many players who signed professional contracts, including two in the NFL. He recruited the Chicago and Wisconsin areas.

Caruso earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1996 from Ithaca, majoring in sport studies. He earned his master"s degree in education from North Dakota State in 2004, and is currently working on his Ph D. in psychology at USD. He was also a graduate assistant (offensive line) at Ithaca in 1996-97.

Caruso has received the Ithaca College Professional Excellence Award. While playing center for Ithaca (1992-96), he was named a National College Football Scholar-Athlete. He was a GTE CoSIDA first-ream academic all-district selection, as well. Caruso was a member of three NCAA playoff teams at Ithaca.

Glenn, his wife Rachael, daughter Anna Marie and son Cade, will move from Vermillion to St. Paul shortly.

"My wife Rachael, our children and I look forward to becoming a part of the Mac family," offered Caruso. "The ability to raise our children in a community like St. Paul was very attractive to us; for all the same reasons this area is appealing to future recruits. But what we look forward to the most is continuing to build relationships with the campus, the community and especially with the young men we will be coaching; both those at Mac now as well as our future athletes."