New SBU football coach Billy Cosh aims to turn Seawolves program around
Stony Brook football head coach Billy Cosh looks on before his introductory press conference ay the Goldstein Family Student-Athlete Development Center on the school's campus in Stony Brook on Dec. 14, 2023. Credit: Brad Penner
Change has been a welcome sight for Stony Brook football and that was evident at the Coastal Athletic Association's media day. The arrival of new coach Billy Cosh brings hope that a team that went 0-10, finished last in points scored and points allowed in the CAA, will be able to turn things around.
“I met with every player and asked ‘How do we improve?’ They all wanted accountability and detail,” coach Cosh said. “At first it was a tough transition, but no challenge, no change.”
The first-year head coach comes to Stony Brook after holding the titles of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Western Michigan. Cosh looks to bring some of the offensive spark to Stony Brook, which helped Western Michigan rank second in the Mid-American Conference in passing offense and third in total offense.
“We’re repping three quarterbacks going through fall camp,” Cosh said. “All three have different attributes and we’re going to evaluate who moves the team the best."
The shift in offensive philosophy has already been felt in practice, as an emphasis on tempo has been highlighted.
“The first difference is tempo. We play a lot faster,” offensive lineman Niko Papic said. “We’re stressing protecting the ball, making sure the ball gets to the right person at the right time.”
The Seawolves' new defensive coordinator Scott Lewis, will have just as much work to do after the team allowed the third most yards in the CAA last season.
“Coach Lewis has come in with a great scheme that fits our players and personnel,” defensive lineman Taylor Bolesta said. “We felt internally that we were a poor tackling team last year and we’ve placed a big emphasis on tackling and contact.”
Wide receiver Anthony Johnson was the only Stony Brook player to receive CAA preseason honors, being named to the All-CAA first team. The sophomore became the first player in program history to be named to the preseason All-CAA first team after leading all FCS freshmen in receptions (59) last season.
Stony Brook was picked to finish 16th of 16 in the CAA coaches’ preseason poll, while Villanova was ranked first.
“I think for us, we’re just trying to win a game and develop every single day at Stony Brook,” Cosh said. “We’re trying to evolve and do things right within ourselves and compete against ourselves.”
“I think we’ve got to get our first win. We have a great fall camp first but getting that first one will give validation of why we’re doing this.”
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
