Kirk Hoza - Football Coach - Florida Atlantic University Athletics

Kirk Hoza

Title:
Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs

20+ years of coaching experience

1999- Florida Atlantic University
1998-99 Arkansas Tech (Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator)
1996-97 Humboldt State University (Defensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator)
1994-95 Whittier College (Head Coach)
1990-93 University of Redlands (Defensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator)
1987-89 University of Louisville (GA/Defensive Secondary)
1985-86 Port Charlotte HS (Varsity Secondary Coach, JV Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator)

Post Season as Coach
2007 New Orleans Bowl 2003 NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs
1999 NCAA Division II Playoffs
1992 NCAA Division III Playoffs
1990 NCAA Division III Playoffs
1989 Coca-Cola Bowl
1988 Blue-Gray All-Star Game

AT FAU
Hoza joined Florida Atlatantic's staff in December of 1999, following the NCAA Division II playoffs. In just three competitive seasons at FAU Coach Hoza returned to the playoffs with the Owls. In 2003, the Owls' defense scored 36 points, held opponents to 21.9 points a game, had 37% third-down conversions, 39% fourth-down conversions, and made use of 17 interceptions, including two game-saving, by the defensive backs. The defensive backs averaged 39.5 tackles on the season. The 2004 and 2005 seasons were no different. Hoza's defense ranked among the best in Division I-A. In 2004, the Owls finished the season ranked 15th nationally in rushing defense, 16th in scoring defense, 10th in interceptions and 9th in TD passing percentage. His defense was the only team to give highly praised University of Hawaii and all-time NCAA passing leader Timmy Chang a loss at home. FAU built on that feat over a bowl participant by following up with a victory the following week against perennial Sun Belt Champion and bowl participant North Texas. In 2005, the defensive squad remained the "big brother" of the team and finished the first year of full Division I-A play ranked no. 20 in pass defense and 31st in pass efficiency defense. The Owls were defensively ranked no. 3 in the Sun Belt. For the first time in the program's young history the 2006 defense took to the field with youth and the need for experience, especially among the defensive backs. At season's end the defenseve backs set a school record for interceptions with 18 and Corey Small recorded a program-high three in one game. The 2006 defensive unit ranked first in the Sun Belt in red zone defense, second in turnover margin and scorng defense and third in pass defense and total defense. Nationally, the Owls were 16th in pass defense. Hoza's defensive backs returned with experience and the knowledge they had set a new program record for interceptions. In 2007 the defense shatterd the previous mark and recorded an at least one interception in ever game and had its 20-consecutive game streak snapped in the New Orleans Bowl. Redshirt freshman Tavious Polo, who earned Freshman All-America honors, was Walter Camps' National PLayer fo the Week following his three interceptions that preserved the victory over Minnestoa. Corey Small and Tavious Polo led the country in corner back duos with interceptions at 12.

At the University of Redlands
Team ranked first in the conference in scoring and total defense (1990, '91 and '92). The team won the conference championship in 1990, '91, '92 and finished second in 1993. Redlands also participated in the NCAA playoffs in both 1990 and 1992.

At Whittier As the head coach he started 16 freshmen, nine defensively. The squad ranked third in the conference in total defense in both 1994 and 1995. As seniors, his two recruiting classes both won conference championships.

At Humboldt
His defense ranked first in the conference in turnovers forced and second in total defense and scoring defense (1996).

At Arkansas Tech
Team held opponents to 22 points and 328 yards, down from 38+ points and 439 yards prior to his arrival. The 1998 squad broke the school record for sacks in a season. In 1999 the Tech defense ranked second in the Gulf South Conference in points allowed. The squad allowed 18 points per game and was ranked third in the nation in turnovers forced (40). The team won the Gulf South Conference for the first time in the program's history and participated in the national playoffs (1999).

Playing Career
Played strong safety and outside linebacker at Slippery Rock University from 1982 to 84.

Prominent Players Coached
Redlands Gary Giammoni, All-SCIAC (3 years), All-American, 17 interceptions over two-year period ('92-'93).
NFL Players (round drafted)
CB Ray Buchanon 3rd Indianapolis Colts
DB/WR Joey Smith (Free Agent) NY Giants
LB Chris Laskowski (Free Agent) Indianapolis Colts
CB Wille Hughley (Free Agent) Cleveland Browns
FS Taheem Acevedo (Free Agent) Kansas City Chiefs

Coach Hoza also serves as the staff advisor to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Personal Information Birth date: August 23, 1962
Hometown: West Mifflin, PA
Education: 1989 - University of Louisville, M.B.A., 1985 - B.S. in Education, Slippery Rock University
Marital Status: Wife Sara
Children: Isaac (14), Mason (10)