California native Christopher Krich, who enjoyed successful coaching stints at two Division III institutions, has been named head football coach at La Verne, Athletic Director Julie Kline announced today.

As an assistant coach, Krich has been a part of four conference championship teams and coached three teams that reached the NCAA Division III playoffs.

"We are thrilled that Coach Chris Krich will be joining the Leopard family," Kline said. "Coach Krich brings with him a balanced philosophy that is consistent with providing the highest level of experience for the young men in our football program. He has first-hand experience with what it takes to build a successful football program. His understanding of coaching the game of football and all that is involved with transforming a Division III football program will allow for a much quicker, smoother and effective transition as he takes over the reins here at La Verne."

Krich comes to La Verne from Millikin University (Ill.), where he completed five seasons as the team's defensive coordinator.  In 2008, the Big Blue defense ranked ninth nationally in Division III in interceptions with 20 and finished that season 16th nationally in rushing defense, allowing an average of 80.6 yards per game on the ground.  He served as defensive backs and wide receivers coach at Millikin from 1998-2000, and returned to the Big Blue in 2006. In addition to his defensive coordinator duties, Krich also coached the defensive backs and served as the football program's coordinator of academic support.

"I am so honored and excited to be named the head football coach at the University of La Verne," Krich said.  "It is program rich in historical success.  I hope to bring a spark and enthusiasm back to the team so our student athletes will have an opportunity to be not only successful on the playing field, but off the field as well.  I look forward to creating relationships with current and future players, the La Verne community and faculty as well as the many alumni out there looking to support us.  We will be a fun team to watch and I look forward to the many challenges ahead.  I would like to thank Athletic Director Julie Kline and the entire athletic department for welcoming me to the University."

Between stints at Millikin, Krich served as the assistant head coach at Division III Lakeland College (Wis.) during the 2003-05 seasons following one year as a defensive graduate assistant at Division II Fort Hays State (Kan.) in 2002.

At Lakeland, Krich was a part of a staff which took over a struggling program and helped transform it to a perennial conference contender.  During his three seasons as defensive coordinator, Lakeland posted a 23-8 overall record, earning Illini-Badger Conference titles in 2004 and 2005.  The Lakeland defense was ranked either first or second in the conference in each of his three seasons.   As the assistant head coach at Lakeland, he served in various capacities including defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator. In just three seasons at Lakeland, Krich coached three All-American defensive players and 24 All-Conference defensive players. In 2005, his defensive teams were nationally-ranked as high as 14th in total defense and 15th in rushing defense.

A four-year letter winner at Mesa State College (Colo.) as a free safety, Krich earned All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honors as a senior in 1997.

Krich grew up in Cambria, California and graduated from Coast Union High School in 1993 before attending Mesa State.  He received his bachelor's degree from Mesa State in Human Performance & Wellness and earned a master's degree from Fort Hays State in Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

The University of La Verne is a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and fields 18 teams (nine men's and nine women's).   The athletic program is dedicated to developing scholar-athletes who demonstrate a commitment to academic and athletic success.