The Coaching Career of Sam Costa

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2/18/09- CHESTNUT HILL, MA - It’s a new era on Chestnut Hill.

Today it was announced that Sam Costa would become the new head football coach of the Golden Eagles. Costa, although just 36 years old, has the campus buzzing with excitement for the upcoming season and beyond.

“ I’m just very thrilled to have this opportunity to coach such a prestigious program and school like Boston College, “ said Costa after be introduced as the new coach. “ I’m eager to begin here, and I’m extremely excited to see what we can do here this season and for many seasons to come.”

Costa began his football career with a solid high school career and received a scholarship offer to play at the University of Richmond in his hometown. He accepted, and became one of the greatest linebackers in Spider history, collecting the all-time record for sacks in a career. Graduating with a 3.6 GPA and a degree in communications. He had the very open option of entering the 1995 NFL Draft, where he was a projected 3^rd to 4^th round pick, but instead decided to fulfill his long-time dream to become a journalist, and was hired by the local Richmond Times Dispatch.

But in 1997, Richmond Football Head Coach Jimmie Harrison asked Costa if he’d be interested in joining the team as a special assistant. He accepted.

And from there Costa has soared up the coaching ladder, coaching as a Special Teams Coach and a Assistant Head Coach for four seasons, helping the Spiders to the 2004 FCS Championship.

With his contract up, and LSU Head Coach Les Miles struggling to find a coach to fill some coaching voids, Costa was encouraged by his family and friends to interview for the job. Costa, not even expecting a call back from Miles, received a call from him telling him he was the new Defensive Backs Coach. Costa was terrific at teaching aggressive football, and always had the backs fired up. LSU won the national title in 2007 and Costa was rewarded again for his tremendous work, as he was promoted to Defensive Coordinator.

Only time will tell if this long-time coach can rise the Golden Eagles back to the top of the ACC, as well as the college football world. But for now, fans look to stay optimistic about this season, and in the future.