Ernie McCook - Running Game Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach - Football Coaches

Ernie McCook

Title:
Running Game Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach
Email:
ecmccook@liberty.edu

Ernie McCook was one of four new hires for head coach Danny Rocco, as the Flames’ newest running game coordinator and tight ends coach joined Liberty’s staff in March 2009.

Liberty has been one of the top rushing programs in all of NCAA FCS football, surpassing the 2,000-yard mark six out of the last seven seasons. During the span, the Flames have averaged 2,167 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns per season.

McCook is no stranger to successful running programs, as he guided one of the nation’s best Division II programs during his 11-year coaching stint at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va.

While at Shepherd, McCook helped the Rams to five WVIAC championships (1999, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007), four trips to the Division II playoffs (1999, 2005, 2006 and 2007), including two Elite Eight runs (2006 and 2007).

During his 11 seasons, McCook served as offensive line coach each year and offensive coordinator during his last 10 seasons. Prior to the start of the 2007 season, he was promoted to the position of assistant head coach.

McCook led the nation’s No. 10 Division II rushing offense in 2007 and running back Denvon Wallace, who led the country in all-purpose yardage (222.8 yards per game). During the same season, McCook mentored the nation’s best Division II center, as Ryan Pope was named the Rimington Award winner.

McCook’s success with the Rams has not been limited to recent seasons, as his squad’s offense was ranked nationally year-in and year-out. In 2006, Shepherd ranked No. 25 in rushing offense (174.8 yards per game), while the Rams led the nation in scoring offense in 2005 (34.8 points per game).

In 2000, McCook coached the nation’s Division II national leader in rushing yards, as Dalevon Smith ran for an average of 166.1 yards per game.

During his decade-plus tenure at Shepherd, McCook saw his team reel off an 18-winning streak, 30-consecutive regular-season victories and unbeaten regular seasons in 2005 and 2006.

Prior to his days at Shepherd, McCook also served as an assistant coach at Frostburg State in Frostburg, Md., and at his alma mater at Wesley College in Dover, Del.

During the 1998 season at Frostburg State, McCook served as the Bobcats’ running game coordinator and offseason strength and conditioning coach, while also joining the faculty as a member of the university’s physical education department.

For six years, McCook served on the football coaching staff at Wesley. After spending his first two years as defensive line coach, he made the switch to offensive line coach, helping the Wolverines to the Southeast ECAC championship in 1993.

While at Wesley, McCook’s offensive line helped clear the way for Brandon Steinham, a finalist for the Gaglardi Trophy, an award handed out to the nation’s top Division III football player.

McCook has also coached at Beall High School and South River High School in Maryland, as well as Susquehanna in 1991, where he helped guide the Crusaders to the semifinals of the Division III playoffs as an inside linebackers coach.

McCook earned his bachelor of arts degree in physical education from Welsey in 1992 and a master’s degree in sports science-sports management from the U.S. Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala., in 1999.

McCook and his wife, Beth, have three children – Michael, Molly and Madison.

The McCook File

Year at Liberty:

First

Coaching Experience:

1999-2009 (11 years) – Shepherd (OL, OC)

1998 (1 year) – Frostburg State (RGC)

1992-1997 (6 years) – Wesley (DL, OL)

1991 (1 year) – Susquehanna (LB)

1990 (1 year) – South River HS (VAC)

1988-89 (2 years) – Beall HS (JV)

Recruiting Area: Delaware, Eastern Shore area, Md., Western Maryland