Akron names Pitt's Brookhart as new coach

AKRON, Ohio (AP) -- The University of Akron on Monday named University of Pittsburgh offensive coordinator J.D. Brookhart as its new football coach.

Brookhart, 39, replaces Lee Owens, who was fired Nov. 16 following a 7-5 season, said Akron's director of athletics Mike Thomas.

"I'm extremely excited to be the new head coach at Akron and be part of the vision that Mike [Thomas] and the university have for the football team and the entire athletics program," Brookhart said in a statement. "Things are moving in the right direction on campus and I would like to be part of that success."

Brookhart has been with the Panthers since 1997, first as tight ends and special-teams assistant and then as wide receivers coach. He spent the past three seasons as offensive coordinator.

Thomas said the decision was made to replace Owens in an effort to give new leadership a chance to improve the program.

"We expect great things of our football program in the future and feel he [Brookhart] is the person to lead us in that direction," Thomas said.

Owens had a 40-61 record during his nine years with the Zips, including 31-41 in the Mid-American Conference. They were 5-3 this season in the MAC. Owens was recently named the coach at Division II Ashland University.