MANSFIELD – Ralph Isernia, who helped direct Defiance (OH) College to a 7-3 record in 2000 as offensive coordinator, has been named as the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach for Mansfield University. 

The announcement was made today by MU head coach Chris Woods.

"I've known Ralph for many years and I'm excited he's joining us at Mansfield," said Woods of his former college roommate. "Ralph's been the offensive coordinator for the last five years for two successful programs and I know he's going to bring success to Mansfield."

Ralph Isernia joins the Mountaineer staff, and rejoins college teammate Chris Woods.

Isernia comes to Mansfield from Defiance (OH) College where he served as the offensive coordinator for the Yellow Jackets helping them to a 7-3 mark in 2000. His offense averaging 22.4 points and 354.4 yards in total offense per game last year.

Isernia began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at Western Connecticut State University in 1991 where he was responsible for tight ends and wide receivers as well as the special teams coordinator. Promoted to assistant coach in 1993, Isernia was quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator.

In 1994, Isernia was hired as a full-time assistant coach at Methodist College as quarterbacks and running backs coach as well as special teams coordinator. He was promoted to offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 1996 and remained in that capacity until taking a position at Defiance College as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 2000.

A two-sport standout at NCAA Division I-AA Davidson College, Isernia was a four-year starter in baseball and football. As a running back, Isernia was the team offensive MVP his junior season and was the team leader in rushing, receiving and scoring. A team captain his senior year, he ranked among the national leaders in punt return and all-purpose yardage.

Isernia was selected at the Thomas D. Sparrow Award winner his senior season for outstanding sportsmanship, athletic and academic excellence at Davidson College.

He was a four-year teammate and roommate of Mountaineer head coach Chris Woods, who was a standout on the offensive line at Davidson.

Isernia graduated from Davidson with a BA in sociology in 1991 and earned a master's degree in education from Western Connecticut State University in 1993. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Isernia served as an assistant professor of physical education at both Defiance College and Methodist College.

He replaces Mike Cerasuolo, who left to take the position of offensive coordinator at his alma mater Springfield College.

Isernia lives in Mansfield with his wife Lynn and son Rett.