Photo by: Columbia University Athletics/Mike McLaughlin
Football Announces Promotion of Andrew Kukesh to Defensive Line Coach
4/5/2021 3:30:00 PM | Football
Andrew Kukesh is Columbia’s new Defensive Line Coach after spending the previous three years as the Lions’ Defensive Assistant.
NEW YORK—Patricia and Shepard Alexander Head Coach of Football Al Bagnoli officially announced on Monday afternoon that Andrew Kukesh has been promoted to Columbia's Defensive Line Coach position. Kukesh, who begins his fourth year on Columbia's Football Staff in 2021, will now coach and oversee Columbia's Defensive Line unit.
Kukesh has spent the last three years as Columbia's Defensive Assistant. In his previous role, Kukesh was responsible for all defensive film, which included breakdown of opposing offenses, creating the "self-scout" of Columbia's defensive tendencies, and daily data entry. He also assisted with the weekly game plan.
"We are extremely excited to put Andrew in charge of our Defensive Line," Bagnoli said. "As our Defensive Assistant for the last three years, Andrew has worked extremely hard and has proved to be a valuable member of our defensive staff. He is a bright young coach and we are excited to see how he will impact our defense in the coming season."
Kukesh joined the Columbia Football Staff in 2018 after spending the 2017 season at both the University of Maine as Assistant Defensive Backs/Safeties Coach and Yale as Assistant Defensive Line Coach. At Maine, he assisted the coaching staff with the defensive backs unit and worked directly with the safeties, assisted the defensive coordinator in creating strategies and game plans, and assisted in the booth on game days. At Yale, he worked directly with the defensive line.
Previously, he spent a combined two years at Trinity College as Cornerbacks Coach in 2016 and Outside Linebackers Coach in 2015. Among his many duties included coaching the cornerbacks, assisting the defensive coordinator in creating strategies, providing weekly scouting reports, and acting as video coordinator for all practices and game film.
A 2014 graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Kukesh was a three-time All-NESCAC selection and two-time All-East Region honoree as a defensive back. He was elected to The College Key of Bates College, an honor given to those student-athletes who distinguish themselves through their academic performance, athletic pursuits, service to community, and strength of character. Kukesh earned a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy and Law from Trinity College in May 2017.
A native of Exeter, N.H., Kukesh was a two-time First Team All-State football selection and team captain at Exeter High School. He was also selected to play on the 2009 New Hampshire Maple Sugar Bowl Shrine team and was a recipient of the Joe Yukica Football Award.
Kukesh replaces former Defensive Line coach Darin Edwards.
Kukesh has spent the last three years as Columbia's Defensive Assistant. In his previous role, Kukesh was responsible for all defensive film, which included breakdown of opposing offenses, creating the "self-scout" of Columbia's defensive tendencies, and daily data entry. He also assisted with the weekly game plan.
"We are extremely excited to put Andrew in charge of our Defensive Line," Bagnoli said. "As our Defensive Assistant for the last three years, Andrew has worked extremely hard and has proved to be a valuable member of our defensive staff. He is a bright young coach and we are excited to see how he will impact our defense in the coming season."
Kukesh joined the Columbia Football Staff in 2018 after spending the 2017 season at both the University of Maine as Assistant Defensive Backs/Safeties Coach and Yale as Assistant Defensive Line Coach. At Maine, he assisted the coaching staff with the defensive backs unit and worked directly with the safeties, assisted the defensive coordinator in creating strategies and game plans, and assisted in the booth on game days. At Yale, he worked directly with the defensive line.
Previously, he spent a combined two years at Trinity College as Cornerbacks Coach in 2016 and Outside Linebackers Coach in 2015. Among his many duties included coaching the cornerbacks, assisting the defensive coordinator in creating strategies, providing weekly scouting reports, and acting as video coordinator for all practices and game film.
A 2014 graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Kukesh was a three-time All-NESCAC selection and two-time All-East Region honoree as a defensive back. He was elected to The College Key of Bates College, an honor given to those student-athletes who distinguish themselves through their academic performance, athletic pursuits, service to community, and strength of character. Kukesh earned a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy and Law from Trinity College in May 2017.
A native of Exeter, N.H., Kukesh was a two-time First Team All-State football selection and team captain at Exeter High School. He was also selected to play on the 2009 New Hampshire Maple Sugar Bowl Shrine team and was a recipient of the Joe Yukica Football Award.
Kukesh replaces former Defensive Line coach Darin Edwards.
Highlights: FB | Columbia 29, Cornell 12
Saturday, November 22
Preview: FB | Coach Poppe - Week 10 | Presented by Amity Hall Uptown
Friday, November 21
Podcast: FB | Captains' Corner (S7, E10)
Thursday, November 20
Postgame: FB | Coach Poppe after Brown
Saturday, November 15
