Joe Trainer to return to Villanova football staff

Joe Trainer left his post as defensive coordinator at Villanova in 2004 to head up the program at Millersville, eventually ending up at the Wildcat's CAA rival, Rhode Island. After a tumultuous period from 2009-13 in New England, Trainer was fired by the Rams at the conclusion of their Fall season. The subsequent departure of Coach Roc Bellantoni from Villanova created an opening, however, and Trainer has now found his way back home to the Main Line.

According to a report, Villanova has hired Trainer as defensive line coach and special teams coordinator.

The Roslyn, Pennsylvania native brings another experienced coach to the staff. His charge will be rebuilding a defensive line that has lost some big talent to graduation, including stud Rakim Cox.

At URI he took on a struggling Rams program that needed to be built up. The URI administration later decided to try and move to the 35 scholarship Northeast Conference, before reversing course and remaining in the 63-scholarship CAA.  Rhody was unable to find success during that time.

He spent eight years on Andy Talley's staff previously, including five as the defensive coordinator.