YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Youngstown State Head Football Coach Eric Wolford announced on Monday that Phil Longo, who spent the past two seasons in the Missouri Valley Football Conference as Southern Illinois' offensive coordinator has joined the Penguins' staff. Longo will be the wide receivers coach and serve as YSU's recruiting coordinator.

Wolford said Longo is a talented recruiter and hard worker who brings a solid background to Youngstown State.

"Phil knows what it takes to be a success in this conference and that will be a strong asset for our program," Wolford said. "He is a strong talent evaluator who knows how to get the most out of a student-athlete. Our players will enjoy playing and learning from him."

Longo spent the past two seasons as the Salukis' offensive coordinator, helping the program post a 15-1 Missouri Valley Football Conference record during his tenure.

Penguin fans saw Longo's abilities first-hand as the Salukis scored 60 points the past two years against YSU. In 2009, the Guins knocked out starting quarterback Chris Dieker, only to watch redshirt freshman Paul McIntosh enter the game to lead SIU to an impressive 27-8 win. In 2008, SIU scored 33 points in a victory at Stambaugh Stadium.

In 2009, Southern Illinois ranked seventh in the FCS in scoring offense (averaging 34.0 points per game) and 21st in total offense (394.8). Both quarterbacks had success in different ways for Longo. Dieker excelled in the passing game (1,326 yards), while McIntosh shined in the rushing attack (588 yards and six touchdowns). The duo combined for 18 touchdown passes, a 61.5 completion percentage and just nine interceptions.

The Salukis reached the FCS quarterfinals before losing to William & Mary. SIU was 11-2 overall and 8-0 in the MVFC.

In his first season in 2008, he directed a Saluki attack that featured a 1,000-yard rusher in Larry Warner and a passing game that was ranked No. 2 in the conference. As a first-year starter, Dieker threw for more than 2,000 yards and had 16 touchdown tosses.

The Salukis went 9-3 losing to New Hampshire in the first round of the FCS playoffs. SIU shared the conference title with a 7-1 mark.

In his tenure, Southern had 14 all-conference selections on offense, including five first-team picks.

Longo said joining the Youngstown State staff is a tremendous opportunity.

"Coach Wolford's passion for YSU and the game itself are two primary reasons why I chose to join the staff at Youngstown," he said.

"It is evident after meeting with Athletic Director Ron Strollo, that the resources to compete for a championship are in place. The WATTS that is scheduled to open for us in the near future is very indicative of the commitment being made to YSU football."

Prior to SIU, Longo was the offensive coordinator under Bubba Schweigert at University of Minnesota-Duluth (2006-07). UMD's offense ranked at or near the top in most offensive categories including second in passing offense both seasons.

Longo served as the head coach at LaSalle in 2004 and 2005. He posted a 7-14 mark as the Explorers' head coach during his tenure.

Longo produced two MAAC Offensive Player of the Year award winners, five All-Americans (a first for the LaSalle football program) and 13 All-MAAC selections. His 2004 offense ranked second in the nation among FCS Mid-Major schools. In addition, he oversaw an offensive unit which established 29 school records and finished first in the MAAC.

A New Jersey native, Longo joined LaSalle after coaching stints at William Paterson (N.J.) University (2000-01), Parsippany Hills High School (1996-99) and Orange High School (1995). In addition, he worked as an assistant coach at Williamson (Pa.) Junior College (1994) and New Jersey City State University (1993).

"I'm excited about joining one of the most storied FCS programs in college football," Longo said.