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Travis James Offensive Coordinator
Ben Peskar

Travis James Hired as Offensive Coordinator for JCU Football

| By: JCUSID
Travis James has been named offensive coordinator under new head coach Jeff Behrman ‘95.
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – A bright mind is taking over the reins of the John Carroll Football offense.

Travis James has been named offensive coordinator under new head coach Jeff Behrman '95.

James follows Behrman from Union College, where James served as offensive coordinator for the previous two seasons. James will begin his role immediately.

"I've worked in the Division III for a while as a coach, and I've always understood the legacy and tradition of John Carroll Football and the OAC," said James. "I'm excited to follow Jeff to help to elevate John Carroll. This is one of the best traditions in all of small college football and I can't wait to recruit in a nationally competitive environment to bring some of the nation's best talent to JCU." 

With James at the helm of the Union offense the past two seasons. During his tenure, the Dutchmen have twice ended the season ranked in the top-15 in Division III in sacks allowed (including third in 2021) and the top-25 in red zone offense. Union also has been a consistent top performer in the Liberty League in scoring offense, third- and fourth-down conversions, sacks allowed, and rushing offense, ranking in the top-two of the conference in all categories. 

Behrman is thrilled to bring James with him to John Carroll.

"I'm excited to welcome Travis James to the John Carroll University community. He is an exceptional teacher and leader," said Behrman. "Travis will make a positive impact in the lives of the men in our program. He is excited for the opportunity ahead and is ready to get to work."

James is ecstatic about following Behrman to JCU after the pair guided Union into the top 40 in the NCAA in several statistical categories over the last couple seasons. 

"Jeff is a visionary and authentic. To combine these two virtues is rare, especially with how well he treats people," said James. "I can't overstate how grateful I am to Jeff for the opportunity to join him. I'm an Illinois native, but I have great respect for Ohio football, as my brother went to Miami of Ohio, my dad is from Toledo, and one of my dearest friends is Brian Fox, the head coach at Elyria Catholic. This is a heck of an opportunity to come to John Carroll."

Before his two successful seasons in Schenectady, James spent two seasons on staff at Rhodes College, a Division III school in Memphis, Tennessee. James served as the offensive coordinator for one season before assuming the role of interim head coach for the abbreviated Spring 2021 season. During his time with the Lynx, James also helped to create new recruiting processes as Co-Recruiting Coordinator, updated the team's video systems, helped in strength & conditioning as Athletic Performance Co-Coordinator, led the team's leadership development program, and took a lead role in branding and marketing as the team's Creative Director.

Previously, James spent a 4-year stint at his alma mater, Illinois College, serving as Offensive Line Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator before earning a promotion to Associate Head Coach for his final two years. The Blueboys were consistently ranked among the best in the conference and nation, including a top-10 scoring offense and passing offense in Division III during the 2015 season and the country's sixth-best red-zone offense in 2016. 

James' collegiate coaching career began in 2014 at Missouri Baptist University, where he coached the offensive line and tight ends while also serving as Recruiting Coordinator for the NAIA program. While at Missouri Baptist, he helped produce the #25 red-zone scoring offense in the NAIA and #20 ranked unit in sacks allowed. 
 
James is a 2013 graduate of Illinois College, earning a bachelor's degree in communication and rhetorical studies. Additionally, he earned a master's of education in educational psychology from the University of Missouri in 2016.

At John Carroll, James assumes the reins of an offense that ranked second in the Ohio Athletic Conference in points per game, yards per game, passing yards per game, and much more in 2022, along with first in the conference in rushing yards per game. JCU ranked in the top 30 in Division III in a handful of categories, including 10th in third-down conversions. 

During his career, James has helped to develop 30 All-Conference, 10 All-Region, 11 Academic All-District, and 2 All-American selections.

"We'll play fast, physical, and disciplined," James said of his offensive philosophy. "We'll recruit fast, athletic student-athletes who are students of the game. We'll look to set the physical tone in all aspects and at every position. We'll play disciplined football and control the game. 

"We're looking for winners and workers. We want to elevate the program higher than it's ever been. To do that, we need the right people. We want student-athletes who have a competitive streak, have a strong work ethic, and who have a strong desire to win. If you want to be the best in the nation, John Carroll is the place for you." 
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