Brandon Helwig
UCFSports.com Publisher
Talk about it in The Dungeon - Knights Only
For the first time in five years, UCF has a new offensive coordinator.
Charlie Taaffe, a veteran of the college and professional ranks, has been tapped by head coach George O'Leary to take over an offense that saw its share of struggles this past season. The former Maryland offensive coordinator and two-time Canadian Football League Coach of the Year will also tutor the Knights' quarterbacks.
Hamilton TiCats
Charlie Taaffe brings years of offensive experience to UCF.
O'Leary confirmed the hire and other offensive staff changes to the Florida Today, which reported the moves in their Saturday edition.
Tim Salem, who had served as offensive coordinator since O'Leary's arrival in 2004, will now oversee the tight ends and move into the role of special teams coordinator.
George Godsey, formerly the quarterbacks coach, takes over Salem's previous assignment as running backs coach.
Brent Key is now in charge of the offensive line after previously serving as tight ends coach and special teams coordinator. Former offensive line coach Tom Freeman is no longer with the program.
Taaffe, 58, helped Ralph Friedgen turn around the Maryland program as offensive coordinator from 2001-05. His most recent stint came as head coach of the CFL's Hamilton TigerCats where he was recently fired in his second year with the franchise. Before he went to Maryland, Taaffe had a highly successful run as head coach of the Montreal Allouettes from 1999-2000.
He is also the winningest coach in the history of The Citadel, spending 10 years at the school from 1987-96. He won the Eddie Robinson Award in 1992 after leading the Bulldogs to an 11-2 record.
Taaffe, who had been in the running for the head coaching position at Army, is expected to arrive on campus in time for the Jan. 9 recruiting weekend.