Huskies promote Kellen O'Neill to full-time role

HOUGHTON, Mich. – Kellen O'Neill has been promoted by Michigan Tech football head coach Dan Mettlach to a full-time role as Wide Receivers Coach, announced Tuesday. O'Neill served in a similar role on a part-time basis last season.

"We are very fortunate to be able to promote Kellen to a full-time role on our staff," Mettlach said. "He did a great job with the Wide Receiver room a year ago and will continue to develop that position at a high level."

"Michigan Tech is an amazing place and I've really enjoyed my last six months here," O'Neill said. "I am extremely grateful to Dr. Suzanne Sanregret and Michigan Tech for the opportunity to contribute to the future growth of this football program. Coach Mettlach is a tremendous leader and I'm excited to help execute his vision for Michigan Tech Football." 

O'Neill was tasked with a large group of sophomore wide receivers this fall, which included All-America Honorable Mention and All-GLIAC First Team selection Darius Willis as well as All-GLIAC Honorable Mention Brandon Michalak. 

Willis was the conference's top receiver in receptions (74), receiving yards (1,051), and touchdowns (10). His 1,825 all-purpose yards were fourth best in NCAA Division II.

O'Neill came to Tech from Division II Gannon University, where he served as Tight Ends Coach for one season. Prior to Gannon, he was Wide Receivers Coach at Findlay University.

Before Findlay, O'Neill was on the staff at Duquesne and served as the Dukes' Wide Receivers Coach beginning in 2017. He also coached at his alma mater, Edinboro in 2016, helping the Fighting Scots to a 9-2 record after going winless the previous fall. He spent time both as Running Backs and Special Teams Coach. 

O'Neill served as an Assistant Coach at Division I University of Albany in 2014 and 2015, working as an offensive assistant in his second season. He graduated from Edinboro with a bachelor of arts degree in Communication Studies and played three seasons at Wide Receiver. He also holds a master of science degree in Educational Leadership from Edinboro. He was inducted into the General McLane High School Hall of Fame in 2019.

O'Neill's father, Rege was also a football coach at the high school and collegiate levels.