Oberlin, Ohio – Oberlin College Delta Lodge Director of Athletics Natalie Winkelfoos announced the appointment of Jay Anderson as the school's head football coach.
 
Anderson, who had been serving as the Yeomen's interim head coach since early December, was selected following an exhaustive national search that produced over 200 applicants.
 
"Coach Anderson has impressive credentials for strong integrity, meaningful involvement in our community, and a striking commitment to the success of our students on and off the football field," Winkelfoos said. "His understanding and enthusiasm for Oberlin goes unmatched."
 
Serving as the Yeomen's defensive coordinator in 2013, Anderson guided an Oberlin defense that finished fourth in the NCAC in total defense and third in red-zone defense.  With his tutelage, the Yeomen also recorded two shutout victories – a feat that has not happened since the 1946 season.
 
He mentored senior safety Zach Kisley to First-Team All-NCAC and Third-Team All-Ohio honors. In total, four of the five Yeomen's All-NCAC recipients were on defense. All-NCAC Second-Team selection Kirby Livingston led the league with four forced fumbles and added 6.5 sacks. Honorable-mention selection Kyle Kessler was second in the NCAC in tackles per game (9.8), while fellow honorable-mention honoree C.J. Ihle finished sixth in the league with 7.5 sacks.
 
"I would like thank both President Krislov and Delta Lodge Director of Athletics Natalie Winkelfoos for this incredible opportunity to lead the Oberlin College football program," Anderson said. "I am committed to recruiting and developing the very best student-athletes in order to win football games, while also engaging the alumni and the community in the process."
 
Anderson spent the 2012 season as a member of the coaching staff at Division II Notre Dame College in Euclid, Ohio. He was previously with the Yeomen on part-time basis for three seasons, working as the team's defensive backs coach from 2009-11.
 
During the time of transition, Anderson and the rest of the Yeomen coaches have done an admirable job recruiting, securing numerous players through the early decision process.
 
"We are thrilled Coach Anderson is taking the reigns at this important moment for Oberlin football," President Krislov said. "Jay is an inspiring leader and mentor.  He has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to recruit the finest student-athletes and to support them on and off the field.  We look forward to great success for him and our students."
 
A former football and track athlete at Oberlin High School, Anderson went on to start 48 games at defensive back at the University of Toledo. He helped the Rockets win the 2001 Mid-American Conference Championship and the West Division title in 2000 and 2002.  In high school, he was the state champion in the 100-meter dash in 1997 and 1998.
 
Anderson, who becomes the only current African-American Head Coach in the NCAC, graduated from Toledo in 2003 with a bachelor's of arts degree in English.