Virginia University of Lynchburg names new head football coach -- Bobby Rome

LYNCHBURG, Virginia -- Less than two months after the position became available, the Virginia University of Lynchburg announced the hiring of a new head football coach.

Bobby Rome, 31, was introduced to VUL staff Friday as the next coach of the Dragons.

“I have long-term plans to be here at this university,” Rome said in an interview Friday. “The moment when I walked through the doors at Humble Hall for the first time, it’s something that just grabbed me.”

Rome, a former college and professional football player and native of Norfolk, comes to VUL with about four years of head coaching experience.

Rome most recently was head coach of the UNC club football program. Prior to that, he was the head coach of Far Eastern Federal University in Russia, where he started the football program.

Rome was a four-year starter at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), where he played fullback. He graduated in 2009 and was in and out of the NFL and played in the now-shuttered United Football League, as well as the Federation of American Football of Russia league.

Rome will replace former coach Jimmy Joe, who was at the helm of the program for just one season until he and the school parted ways in November.

Rome was one of three final candidates interviewed for the position, according to VUL COO Jason Randoo.



CONTINUE READING