The Billy Cosh Effect: 5 Reasons Why Stony Brook Football Coaches Engineered The Most Dramatic Turnaround In The FCS
Head Coach Billy Cosh: Biography and Coaching Staff Roster
Billy Cosh’s hiring in December 2023 marked the beginning of the third coaching era in Stony Brook’s Division I history, following in the footsteps of Sam Kornhauser and Chuck Priore. His immediate impact—leading the Seawolves to an 8-4 record—is a testament to his offensive acumen and ability to build a cohesive staff quickly.Billy Cosh: Full Biography Profile
- Full Name: William C. Cosh
- Born: March 5, 1992
- Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland
- Alma Mater: James Madison University (JMU)
- Playing Career: Began his college career at the University of Kansas before transferring to James Madison University (JMU) where he played quarterback.
- Coaching Career Timeline:
- 2015: Concord University (Offensive GA/Quarterbacks Coach)
- 2016–2017: VMI (Wide Receivers Coach)
- 2018–2021: VMI (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach) – Led the VMI Keydets to a Southern Conference (SoCon) title in the 2020-21 spring season utilizing an "Air Raid" offensive system.
- 2022–2023: Western Michigan University (Offensive Coordinator)
- 2024–Present: Stony Brook University (Head Coach)
- Major Honors: 2024 AFCA FCS Coach of the Year, 2024 CAA Football Coach of the Year.
The 2025 Stony Brook Football Coaching Staff
The success of the 2024 season was a collective effort, driven by a highly specialized and aggressive coaching staff. The key leaders and coordinators for the Seawolves' 2025 campaign are:
- Head Coach: Billy Cosh
- Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers Coach: Anthony Davis II
- Defensive Coordinator / Inside Linebackers Coach: Scott Lewis
- Special Teams Coordinator / Outside Linebackers Coach: Kevin Elliott
- Quarterbacks Coach / Offensive Recruiting Coordinator: Adam Lovan
- Defensive Line Coach / Defensive Recruiting Coordinator: Sean Hammonds
- Running Backs Coach: DJ Gillins
- Safeties Coach: Marcus Hall-Oliver or Jim Nelson (Staff roles are subject to minor, late-year adjustments)
- Cornerbacks Coach: Zuril Hendrick
This group of coaches, with their diverse backgrounds from the FBS and other successful FCS programs, forms the core of the Seawolves' renewed topical authority in the FCS landscape.
5 Strategic Pillars of the Seawolves’ Coaching Success
The turnaround was not accidental; it was built on a clear, aggressive, and modern coaching philosophy. This approach has quickly established Stony Brook as a formidable program within the CAA Football Conference.1. The Air Raid Offensive Philosophy
Billy Cosh brought his well-established "Air Raid" offensive system from his successful stints at VMI and Western Michigan. This system emphasizes a fast pace, spread formations, and quick decisions by the quarterback, making it difficult for opposing defenses to substitute or adjust. The 2024 season saw an immediate statistical jump in offensive production, revitalizing the team's scoring output. The focus on the passing game, coordinated by Anthony Davis II, has created a dynamic and exciting brand of football for the Long Island fanbase.
2. Defensive Aggression Under Scott Lewis
On the defensive side of the ball, Coordinator Scott Lewis implemented a highly aggressive, attacking scheme. As the Inside Linebackers Coach, Lewis’s philosophy centers on creating pressure and forcing turnovers, a stark contrast to more conservative defensive approaches. The Seawolves' defense became known for its physicality and relentless pursuit, a necessary trait to compete against the high-powered offenses in the CAA. The defensive line, coached by Sean Hammonds, was a key entity in this pressure scheme, showing significant improvement throughout the year.
3. Elite Recruiting and Talent Identification
A significant part of the new staff’s strategy is a strong focus on recruiting, particularly in the talent-rich Northeast region. Quarterbacks Coach Adam Lovan, serving as the Offensive Recruiting Coordinator, and Defensive Line Coach Sean Hammonds, the Defensive Recruiting Coordinator, have been instrumental in identifying and securing high-potential athletes. Their ability to sell the vision of a rapidly ascending program, coupled with the state-of-the-art facilities at Stony Brook University, has allowed them to attract transfer portal talent and top high school prospects, quickly raising the team’s overall ceiling.
4. The Immediate Turnaround and Program History
The 2024 season's 8-4 record was a monumental achievement, especially considering the team’s recent history. The previous head coach, Chuck Priore, had a long tenure, but the program had struggled in the years immediately preceding Cosh's arrival. Cosh's historic first season immediately provided a much-needed shot of adrenaline and credibility. The recognition as the 2024 FCS Coach of the Year validates the administration’s bold decision and has generated unprecedented positive buzz around the program, setting a new standard for excellence at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium.
5. Coordinator Experience and Youthful Energy
Coach Cosh himself is one of the youngest head coaches in the FCS, and his coordinators reflect that youthful energy and modern approach to the game. Offensive Coordinator Anthony Davis II and Defensive Coordinator Scott Lewis both arrived with extensive experience in high-level coordinator roles, but their relatively young age allows them to connect deeply with the current generation of student-athletes. This combination of experience and relatability has fostered a strong team culture, which is a critical, intangible entity for sustained success in college football. The presence of Special Teams Coordinator Kevin Elliott ensures all three phases of the game are addressed with the same level of detail and intensity.
The Future of Stony Brook Football Under Cosh
The success of the 2024 campaign has fundamentally altered the trajectory of Stony Brook Seawolves football. The new coaching staff has proven that immediate success is possible, transforming the program into a legitimate contender within the challenging CAA. The focus moving forward will be on consistency and building depth to sustain their position as a top-tier FCS team. With the foundation set by the 2024 FCS Coach of the Year and his aggressive, skilled staff, fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating the 2025 season as Cosh attempts to build on the momentum of his historic debut. The future of Stony Brook football is brighter than it has ever been, driven by a coaching staff that is both modern in its strategy and relentless in its execution.
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