Williamsburg, KY – Heading into his eighth season at the helm, Head Football Coach Matt Rhymer has announced the additions of four coaches to his staff, Wednesday afternoon.  Tony Lambert and Matthew Castner joins the Patriots as full-time assistants, while Jeremiah McKibben and Dalton Chambers are graduate assistants for UC.

Lambert will serve as the co-defensive coordinator and coach the inside linebackers.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and familiarity to Cumberlands after spending the past 11 years as the Head Coach at Oneida High School.  In his time at Oneida, Lambert coached the Indiana's to a 90-40 record, which makes him the second winningest coach in that school's history. 

"Coach Lambert is a great addition to our staff in all regards and brings a level of accountability, discipline, organization, and loyalty that we need to have," said Rhymer.  "I believe our athletes will buy into his leadership on defense and as a team overall."

Lambert will serve as the co-defensive coordinator along with Stephen Wells, who enters his fourth season as the co-defensive coordinator and fifth year as the defensive backs coach. According to Rhymer, Wells has grown a ton and has grown since taking over in that role.

Rhymer added, "Coach Wells and Coach Lambert have spent a lot of time together and they are meshing well, which will have a huge impact this season."

Lambert will also be recruiting in the Tennessee area, where he has developed a lot of connections and earned a lot of respect from his peers in coaching.
Castner joins the Patriots staff after standout career for UC.  Castner was a two-time MSC First All-Conference offensive lineman in addition to being named a NAIA All-American Honorable Mention in 2018.  He played in 36 games over his Cumberlands career and was part of two Patriots team that qualified for the NAIA playoffs.  Castner will be working with the HB and tight ends as well as be a part of UC's strength and conditioning program.

"It's awesome to have him back," said Rhymer.  "There is not a more loyal person to Cumberlands and his love and passion for this place will be unmatched."

In addition to the two new hires, Coach Rhymer announced that Phillips Wells is transitioning to the offensive side of the ball and will serve as the pass game coordinator, while JB Donahue will be the run game coordinator.  Phillip Wells will work with the receiver group, while Donahue also coaches the offensive line.  Rhymer and Dewayne Wells will also be coaching on the offensive side of the ball working with quarterbacks and runningback, respectfully.

"This group works well together and will be prepared to call a good game each week," said Rhymer. "Phillip knows what stresses a defense out, especially after spending the past several years as the Co-Defensive Coordinator, and he can utilize that knowledge on the offensive side."

McKibben and Chambers joins Jarrett Cornelius as graduate assistant for the football program.  McKibben will work with the outside linebackers, while Cornelius will continue to work with the secondary.  Chambers will serve as a GA on the offensive side of the ball.

The Patriots are slated to open their 2021 schedule on Thursday, September 2, when they host Kentucky Christian University.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at James H. Taylor, II Stadium.

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