LEXINGTON, Va. – Virginia Military Institute head football coach Scott Wachenheim has announced several positional moves on the 2020 coaching staff.

Billy Cosh has been promoted to offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach after serving as Keydets wide receivers coach the past two years. Patrick Ashford has been named the new wide receivers coach for the 2020 season. Wachenheim also announced that that running backs coach Anthony Davis will also serve as recruiting coordinator and offensive line coach Kyle Jolly will add run game coordinator responsibilities.

Cosh had led the receivers groups in the "Air Raid" offense the past two years that produced record numbers in total offense and passing yards during the 2019 season. Cosh mentored Javeon Lara who graduated second all-time in career TD pass receptions (16) and fifth in receiving yards (2,204). First team All-SoCon receiver Jakob Herres also produced seven career 100-yard receiving games under Cosh's watch.

Cosh replaces Brian Sheppard, who accepted a position on the football staff at the University of Minnesota.

Ashford comes to the Institute after serving three seasons as an offensive assistant working with tight ends and receivers at Vanderbilt University. He assisted a Commodore offense that in 2018 produced one of the best offensive performances in school history averaging 28.5 pt/game and 411.2 yards per game.

Ashford also served prior coaching stints as quarterbacks coach at Tennessee-Martin and two seasons as an offensive assistant at Austin Peay under head coach Will Healy.

A native of Morristown, Tennessee, Ashford is a 2015 graduate of the University of Tennessee and appeared in 24 games for the Vols serving as the primary holder for the 2014-15 seasons and participated in two bowl victories.

Davis and Jolly are entering their second seasons on the VMI football coaching staff and were instrumental in helping the 2019 Keydets post their most wins (5) since 2003 and most conference wins (4) since 1979.

"I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to promote three and add one rising stars in the coaching profession to our staff," said Wachenheim. "Billy Cosh who has coached back to back 1000 plus yard receivers at VMI is being promoted to our Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks position. Billy comes from a coaching family and was a very successful quarterback in high school and college. Additionally, Billy has worked with some of the most innovative offensive coordinators in college football. Anthony Davis will remain as our running backs coach and will adding the recruiting coordinator responsibilities to his role. Anthony did an outstanding job coaching our running backs this season and is a very organized and personable recruiter. In addition to coaching our offensive line, Kyle Jolly will add run game coordinator responsibilities to his tasks. Our improved offensive line play was a key component in our upgraded running game and pass protection. Patrick Ashford will join the Keydets as our wide receivers coach. Patrick played quarterback at the University of Tennessee and most recently served as an assistant wide receivers coach at Vanderbilt University. Coach Ashford's background is very similar to Coach Cosh's and I am looking forward our offense's continued progress."

Wachenheim also announced that VMI football spring practice will begin Tuesday, March 24, and conclude Saturday, May 2.  A complete practice schedule will be posted soon.