Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) introduced Adam Lechtenberg as the 15th head coach of its football program. Lechtenberg is no stranger to CCSU, having served as the Blue Devils co-offensive coordinator for their 2010 Northeast Conference (NEC) championship.
"We extend an enthusiastic, warm 'welcome back' to Mr. Lechtenberg and his family as they return to Central Connecticut State University," said CCSU President Zulma R. Toro. "Coach Lechtenberg's commitment to the social, academic, and athletic experience of student-athletes is in line with the core principles of our university."
Lechtenberg served as the Blue Devils co-offensive coordinator for the 2010 and 2011 campaigns, helping the Blue Devils to their 2010 NEC championship. His offenses ranked in the top-third in the nation in nearly every category, and the 2010 squad led the NEC in nine categories: including total offense, rushing offense, scoring offense and passing efficiency. Lechtenberg was the lead recruiter for the Blue Devils' all-time leading rusher, Rob Hollomon.
"It is a pleasure to have Adam back as part of our Blue Devil family," said Director of Athletics Tom Pincince. "He has coached, recruited, and excelled on the field at each stop of his career. He impressed during the interview process with his preparation, passion, and plan for success – athletically and academically – for our student-athletes and football program. That attention to detail was a key. This is an exciting day to be a Blue Devil."
"I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve as the head football coach at Central Connecticut State University," said Lechtenberg. "I would like to thank President Toro, Sal Cintorino, Tom Pincince, and the entire search committee for their confidence to entrust me with this responsibility. I enjoyed my time at CCSU and look forward to returning and making more championship memories."
In five seasons at Virginia Tech, Lechtenberg continued to demonstrate his ability to recruit offensive talent, signing two transfer running backs that have both gone onto NFL careers. Under his tutelage in 2020, the Hokies led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in rushing, producing a school-record for yards per play that season.
During the Fall 2022 season, Lechtenberg served as assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Lechtenberg oversaw the passing game and served as wide receivers coach at the University of Tennessee-Martin in 2016, as part of the second ranked offense in the Ohio Valley Conference. The four seasons prior, he served as the director of player personnel and interim wide receivers coach at the University of Memphis.
Before taking over play-calling duties at CCSU, Lechtenberg spent three seasons as the offensive graduate assistant coach at Texas Christian University, working with quarterbacks and the offensive line. He began his collegiate coaching journey in 2005 at Wayne State College, as wide receivers coach, spending three seasons with the Warriors.
The 2023 season will be the 84th intercollegiate campaign for CCSU football. The Blue Devils have earned six NEC championships, including a 2019 title that saw a record 11 wins. Blue Devils have won four NEC Offensive Player of the Year honors, taken home four NEC Coach of the Year honors and a NEC Defensive Player of the Year award. In addition, CCSU players have earned four NEC Offensive and three Defensive Rookie of the Year awards.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT COACH LECHTENBERG
"Great hire by CCSU! I am very excited for Adam and his family. He has excelled in many roles throughout his career, and he is ready for this challenge."
Justin Fuente - Former head coach at Memphis and Virginia Tech
"I'm so excited for CCSU and for what the future holds with Coach Lechtenberg leading the program. He is a tireless worker who has a tremendous track record of incredible evaluation and development of student-athletes. He will push the program to great heights, on and off the field, with a program people will be proud of."
Mike Norvell, Head Coach, Florida State University
"Coach Lechtenberg is a tremendous leader who has always shown an ability to get the most out of his players. I'm so happy for his future student-athletes, they will be provided a foundation in every area of their lives that will be at a championship level! His attention to detail and competitive spirit will be infectious within the program!"
Barry Odom, Head Coach, UNLV
"Adam came to work a camp for me, and I watched a bunch of guys walk by some empty Gatorade bottles on the ground. Adam came by them, stopped, and picked them up. I hired him as a graduate assistant right there and it's been a relationship ever since. He comes from a great family, is a good coach and a great person. I am glad to know him."
Gary Patterson – Former head coach at TCU
"Adam is an excellent choice and a great fit. He will do a great job there."
Jerry Kill, Head Coach, New Mexico State
"Adam is a phenomenal hire. CCSU is getting not only a great coach, but a great man of high character and values. Adam's positive attitude and relentless work ethic will spread infectious energy throughout that campus. I'm excited to see the trajectory of the football program under his leadership."
Ryan Smith, Cornerback Coach, Northwestern
"Congratulations on hiring Adam. He's one of the most diligent, thorough, and hard-working people I've ever been around. He'll do an amazing job uniting the CCSU alumni, administration, student body and players. He'll give everything he has to the job and the kids and will be a great move for the university."
Justin Hamilton, Former DC at Virginia Tech
"Adam works harder and cares more about his players than anyone I've ever coached with. He is a relentless recruiter and an organized teacher. CCSU is getting someone who is passionate about developing young men and building a program."
Brad Cornelsen – Former OC/WR Coach, Virginia Tech
"Adam is a tireless worker and dedicated coach. He has touched every aspect of coaching and has enhanced each responsibility given to him. Adam has the knowledge and leadership qualities that will bring him success as a head coach."
Jafar Williams – WR Coach/Pass Game Coordinator – Temple
