Rick Finotti, an accomplished former high school head coach at Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward, who has spent the last two seasons on Jim Harbaugh's staff at the University of Michigan, has been named the 18th head coach in the 96-year history of the John Carroll University program.
 
"We are excited to have Rick leading our football program," said Laurie Massa, Director of Varsity Athletics and Recreation at John Carroll. "He is a winner, and has made a positive impact on students at both the high school and collegiate levels. He has made a conscious decision to continue teaching young people with the hope of making a difference in their lives.  He has unique experiences at the highest level of college football, which we expect will help us build upon our recent success."
 
Finotti succeeds Tom Arth, who left John Carroll in December to become the head coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
 
The Blue Streaks are coming off one of the most successful campaigns in the history of the program, and the man tapped to build upon that success brings an impressive resume to the task. In six seasons at St. Edward (2009-14), Finotti amassed a record of 62-15 and guided the team to Ohio Division I state titles in 2010 and 2014. The 2010 state crown was the first in school history in the sport of football, with Finotti earning the 2010 Head Coach of the Year award in the state of Ohio as selected by the Associated Press. Both the 2010 and 2014 teams finished the season ranked #2 in the nation by the Max Preps Poll.
 
After the 2014 season, Finotti was recruited by Jim Harbaugh to be his first Director of Football Operations at Michigan. In that role, Finotti provided administrative assistance for Harbaugh with regard to NCAA rules interpretations as well as serving as liaison for all academic matters related to current and prospective football student athletes. He coordinated and participated in the "Summer Swarm" and Summer Camps in 2015.
 
This past season, Finotti was a defensive assistant coach, serving as part of defensive coordinator Don Brown's staff. In 2016, Michigan was tied for first in total defense and stood alone atop the nation in third down defense. The Wolverines were second in scoring defense. He worked primarily with the defensive line and run game planning, mentoring a unit that finished second in the country in sacks.
 
Before becoming a head coach at St. Edward, Finotti served as an assistant coach at his alma mater Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, as well as Benedictine High School and Mayfield High School. From 2005 until 2008, Finotti was the Wildcats' defensive coordinator. Those teams reached the Ohio State Playoffs in 2006, 2007 (state semifinals) and 2008. In his last year at Mayfield, Finotti was awarded Assistant Coach of the Year for Region III in the state of Ohio by the Ohio High School Coaches Association.
 
"I am excited to welcome Rick Finotti and his family to John Carroll," said Rev. Robert L. Niehoff, S.J., President of John Carroll University. "I know that his track record of success in teaching and leading with integrity and spirit will allow us to build on our tradition and continue to compete as one of the top Division III programs in the country. His local ties coupled with his experience at the University of Michigan should serve him well as the face of our program. Join me in welcoming our new 'Man of Carroll'."
 
Finotti is a 1991 graduate of VASJ High School where he played for head coach Bill Gutbrod on the 1989 Ohio Division II state championship team. He attended Cleveland State University where earned his Business Administration degree and then completed his Post Baccalaureate Program from the College of Education.
 
Although not a John Carroll graduate, Finotti does have alumni ties to the school. His grandfather, Bill Belanich, was an integral part of the staff of Herb Eisele from 1947 until 1960. Belanich was the line coach during another great era of John Carroll football when men such as Don Shula and Carl Taseff played for the Blue & Gold.
 
Finotti's hiring is effective immediately, and he will begin work on Monday, January 23, 2017.


What They're Saying

Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, University of Michigan

"I want to congratulate such an outstanding university as John Carroll University on finding such a great leader and coach as Rick Finotti.
 
In the two seasons that Rick was a part of our staff, he demonstrated strong proficiency in a multitude of football related skills. Rick showcased strong leadership in coordination surrounding both practices and games. He collaborated with our coaching staff on game planning, opponent scouting, self-scout, recruiting and many of the key components responsible for our back-to-back 10 win seasons. Rick brings a wealth of football knowledge to John Carroll University, continuing the long line of remarkable coaches who have called John Carroll University home.

In addition to Rick's football aptitude, he is a man of integrity and principles who will undoubtedly positively impact the lives of the student-athletes whom he is tasked with leading. I want to congratulate Rick, Rebecca and their children Frank and Hannah on the opportunity to win football games at a tremendous institution in the city that has meant so much to them. The disappointment of our football staff over the departure of Rick is tempered by a confidence in knowing that Rick is making a wonderful decision for both he and his family. Suffice it to say that John Carroll University will now have a stronger contingent of Blue Streaks fans in Ann Arbor."

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Greg Roman '94, Senior Offensive Assistant and Tight Ends Coach, Baltimore Ravens

"I am excited for Rick to lead the Blue Streaks football program and continue to develop great young men around the principles and mission of John Carroll University"