Blanchard Named New Defensive Coordinator-Marquel takes WKU Offer

HILLSDALE COLLEGE- Defensive Backs / Assistant Head Coach Craig Blanchard has been named Charger Football's new defensive coordinator following Cary Marquel's departure to become the linebackers coach at NCAA 1-AA Western Kentucky. Marquel had been Hillsdale's defensive coordinator since arriving in 2002.

Blanchard is no stranger to calling the defense. Prior to his return to Hillsdale in 2001, Blanchard served as defensive coordinator at the University of Indianapolis. In 1998 and in 1999 his Greyhounds led the GLIAC in every defensive category. In 1991 Blanchard was defensive coordinator for the Columbus Thunderbolts of the Arena Football League.

A native of nearby Jonesville, Blanchard helped engineer some of the toughest defensive squads in Charger history as defensive backs coach from 1982-1985. That run saw Hillsdale DB's pick off 32 passes in 1982 and the Chargers bring home the NAIA National Championship in 1985.