After losing Seth Payne to Power 5, SEC program Vanderbilt, Elon is turning within to fill Payne's role, sources tell FootballScoop.
Joe Perri, a former University of Pittsburgh player and assistant coach, is being promoted from his off-the-field role as a defensive assistant to Elon's full-time defensive line coach.
Perri is closing in on nearly 20 years' experience. After initiating his career at his alma mater, Perri has made multiple stops at the junior college level, been on staff at Western Michigan and at Virginia Tech.
With the Hokies, Perri actually had stints helping coach on both sides of the ball.
Elon finished its 2023 season at 6-5 and has been scheduled to open the upcoming season Friday, Aug. 30, at Duke.
Coach Tony Trisciani has guided Elon to three consecutive winning seasons, including a 2022 trip to the FCS Playoffs.