LORETTO, PA. -Saint Francis head football coach Chris Villarrial has announced the promotion of coaches Marco Pecora to associate head coach and offensive coordinator and Bishop Neal to defensive coordinator.
 
The changes come in advance of spring football practice which starts next week.
 
"I'm very pleased to announce Marco Pecora as our new offensive coordinator," Coach Villarrial said. "Our goal is to reinvigorate our offense and compete for championships.  Marco will be the leader to do this for us. Bishop will bring the attitude and experience to our defense for continued success.  He is a great recruiter and is committed to the program."
 
Pecora makes the move to the offensive side of the ball after five seasons on the defensive side including the last three as defensive coordinator.  The Red Flash defense was dominant under Pecora, ranking third in the FCS in tackles for loss, ninth in total defense, 12th in scoring defense and 20th in run defense in 2018. The defense held seven opponents under 200 yards passing and four under 100 yards rushing while forcing 18 turnovers.
 
In addition to his defensive accolades, Pecora is no stranger to the offensive side of the ball. Pecora graduated from Richland High as one of the most prolific passers in Pennsylvania history. As a four-year starter, Pecora threw for 6,772 yards to rank ninth in state history, including 2,267 yards as a senior to lead Richland to a 7-4 record and its first playoff berth in 20 seasons.
 
"Marco will bring valuable experience to our quarterbacks and create new schemes for our offensive players to be successful on the field," Villarrial added. "Marco is committed to giving our student athletes a great college football experience and we look forward to his leadership."
 
Neal takes over as defensive coordinator after spending the last three seasons coaching the defensive backs and heading up the recruiting process. In 2018, the Red Flash defensive backs ranked ninth the FCS allowing just 170.5 yards per game through the air, making it two-straight seasons ranking in the top-10 after ranking sixth in 2017.
 
"Bishop is a graduate of Saint Francis and an All-American," Villarrial said.  "He came back to Saint Francis and has helped create a solid defense with new techniques and has developed many all-conference players in our secondary."
 
Neal, a 2014 graduate, was a three-year starter and a major contributor all four years he played at Saint Francis. He was named a First Team All-NEC selection as a senior after earning Second Team honors as a junior.  Neal appeared in 43 career games and made 271 career tackles at SFU, including 30 for loss and six sacks.
 
"I am grateful for all of the opportunities that Coach V and Saint Francis has given me" Neal said. "From taking a chance on me in the recruiting process as an undersized linebacker to believing in me to become the next defensive coordinator. Who would have thought as a 17- year old kid, I would have made the best decision in my life? It means a great deal that Saint Francis allows me to be me. It is a great honor and privilege to be the next defensive coordinator at Saint Francis"