McKaig joins football staff as Director of Operations

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University head football coach Chris Merritt is pleased to welcome Ben McKaig to the staff as the Director of Football Operations.

McKaig to Bryant after a brief stint as an Offensive Assistant at Fordham University during spring football. Prior to Fordham, McKaig served as the Offensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Division II member Northwestern Oklahoma State University for four seasons. McKaig will also serve as the offensive line assistant at Bryant.

In his time as offensive line coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State, McKaig's offensive line saw major improvement. They had a big year in 2017 specifically, as they were vital in the Ranger offense's rushing attack which ranked 17th nationally in yards per game. McKaig coached two All-GAC performers in 2018. He also served as recruiting coordinator, camp coordinator, and academic coordinator for the program.
 
Prior to Northwestern, McKaig spent the previous two years at Utica College in Utica, N.Y. where he was a graduate assistant as well as the Defensive Line Coach. McKaig helped the Pioneers reach heights the school had not reached previously as they were 7-4 in 2014 as well as making their first-ever postseason appearance. He also served as the Academic Coordinator for the program.

Before going to Utica, McKaig was a Math teacher and Assistant Football Coach at Andover High School in Andover, Kan. from 2012-13. He was both the offensive line and defensive line coach while at Andover. The Trojans went 8-3 in 2012 and made it to the second round of the State Playoffs.

McKaig graduated from Emporia State, where he was a four-year starter for the Hornets offensive line at tackle and guard. He earned All-MIAA honors as well in 2010.

He received his Bachelor's in Education from Emporia State in 2012 and received his Master's in Education from Utica College in 2015.

McKaig is engaged to Ms. Danielle Freshnock and the couple has a dog named Bo.