KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO) – After 2 seasons as the Broncos defensive coordinator, Dave Cohen announced on Tuesday night that he will be leaving WMU to become the linebackers coach at Rutgers. Cohen was also the linebackers coach for the Broncos.

“Moving forward, I’m extremely excited,” said Cohen. “I’m kind of torn about leaving Western. At the end of the day, it gives my wife and children a chance to see grandparents and family on a weekly basis. Kalamazoo is great, but family is family.”

Cohen was born in Huntington, New York about 90 minutes away from the Rutgers campus.

Cohen arrived at WMU after 4 seasons as the head coach at Hofstra where he compiled a record of 18-27. At the end of 2009 season, Hofstra dropped its football program due to economic and popularity considerations.  Before his tenure at Hofstra, Cohen spent 4 years at Delaware as the defensive coordinator under new Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood.   

Under Cohen the Broncos ranked 12^th out of 13 teams in the MAC in total defense in 2011 and 9^th in 2010. However, under Cohen the Broncos were able to produce 5 defensive all-conference honorees and 2011 MAC Defensive Player of the Year Drew Nowak.  

Last season Cohen made $132,500. He will make double that at Rutgers.