Northwestern hires Long as defensive line coach

Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald announced Monday that Marty Long, most recently an assistant coach at Washington State, is the Wildcats' new defensive line coach.

He replaces Eric Washington, who resigned last month to assume a coaching position with the Bears.

Long has spent the last 12 years on the West Coast, coaching at Arizona (1996-2003), Nevada (2004-06) and Washington State (2007). He also coached seven seasons (1987-93) at his alma mater, The Citadel, where he coached the defensive line and outside linebackers.

"We feel very fortunate to have Marty, his wife Donna, and their three children, Jerrell, Anna and Kayla, join our Northwestern football family," Fitzgerald said. "Marty has an outstanding defensive background and has mentored some tremendous players during his coaching career.

"I also want to thank Eric (Washington) and his wife Amy for their contributions to our program the past few years."