Turner Gill Named MAC Coach of the Year

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- University at Buffalo football coach Turner Gill has been named the Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year following the Bulls' record-breaking season. The second-year head coach led the UB football program to new heights in 2007.

Gill led the Bulls to five wins in 2007 -- the most in its Division I-A history. The program had won 10 games in its first seven years in I-A; they won half of that total this season. UB finished with a 5-3 conference record, including a 4-2 mark in the MAC East Division to claim a share of the regular season title. Prior to the 2007 campaign, UB had won eight MAC games total in the previous eight years.

"I'm humbled by this honor," said Gill. "However, this speaks more about the coaching staff as a unit than it does about me personally. I would like to thank President John Simpson, Athletic Director Warde Manuel and the University at Buffalo for the opportunities and support they have given this staff."

"I am delighted at the recognition that the Mid-American Conference has bestowed on Coach Gill for his work with our football team this year," said Warde Manuel, UB's Director of Athletics. "He is highly deserving of this recognition, a very dynamic and inspirational person, and a great coach who cares deeply about his student-athletes. I am thrilled that his peers recognized the outstanding work he has done to develop our football program into one that can win within the MAC."

Buffalo enjoyed its first winning record at home since moving up to Division I-A and its two MAC road wins was also its best effort since joining the conference.

Gill, who also served as the offensive coordinator, directed an offense that scored 291 points -- the most in its I-A history and just 28 points shy of the all-time school record. Quarterback Drew Willy completed a school-record 258 passes and had the highest pass efficiency rating in school history and running back James Starks became the Bulls' first 1,000-yard rusher in the I-A era with 1,103 yards.

Buffalo had eight players selected to the All-MAC teams released today after having just seven in their first eight years of conference play. The Bulls had eight MAC Players of the Week and had two players on national semi-final "watch lists" -- Ben Woods (Ray Guy Award) and Trevor Scott (Ted Hendricks Award), while senior center Jamey Richard has been invited to play in the Hula Bowl. The senior class also went out victorious for the first time since 1996.