PHILADELPHIA -- Andrew Dees, who spent the last five seasons as tight ends coach at the University of Buffalo, has been named tight ends coach at Temple University by Al Golden. Dees, who played two seasons in the NFL, arrives in Owl Country with 10 years of coaching experience.
"On signing day we discussed the significance of recruiting quality individuals and leaders," said Golden. "We mentioned the fact that we were bringing in 15 captains in our first recruiting class. Well, the newest addition to our coaching staff is no different. Andrew Dees was the captain of a very successful football program at Syracuse, holds an established resume and possesses tremendous work ethic. Andrew is a Long Island native and has recruited from New York to Washington D.C. Coach Dees will most certainly fortify our recruiting lineup here on the east coast.
"In addition, coach Dees' hiring should signify to the Owl faithful a commitment to constructing an offense where tight end play is critical to our success. We are extremely fortunate to have Andrew and his family join us in Philadelphia."
At Buffalo, Dees assisted with all aspects of the run and pass game and was responsible for the extra point and field goal units under head coach Jim Hofher. The team's pro liason, he recruited New York, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. Under his direction, tight end Chad Bartoszek became the Bulls' first two-time All-MAC selection (2001-02). During his stay in the Queen City from 2001 to 2005, Dees also performed two NFL Minority Fellowship summer coaching internships, serving with Pittsburgh in 2005 and with Miami in 2004.
Dees was the offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Stony Brook from 1998 to 2000. In the position, he organized the run game as well as the pass protection and other specific aspects pertaining to the offensive line, tight ends and running backs. He coached three all-conference players and served an NFL Minority Fellowship summer coaching internship with Buffalo in 2000.
Dees began his coaching career as offensive and defensive line coach at Saint John the Baptist High School in West Islip, N.Y. in 1996 before serving as the graduate assistant and tight ends coach at Wagner College for one season in 1997.
Dees was a four-year letterwinner at Syracuse from 1988-91, helping the Orangemen to a 35-12-2 record and four straight bowl appearances under head coaches Dick MacPherson (1988-90) and Paul Pasqualoni (1991). A three-year starter for the Orange, he spent the first two as a tight end and his final year at offensive tackle. He was named a Preseason All-American by The Sporting News in 1990. As a senior, he was elected team captain and helped lead SU to a 10-2 record, a Hall of Fame bowl victory over Ohio State and a No. 11 ranking in the final polls. After graduation, he spent the 1992 season with the Cincinnati Bengals and the 1993 campaign with the Seattle Seahawks.
A native of New Babylon, N.Y., Dees earned his bachelor's degree in child and family studies at Syracuse in 1992. He is due to complete his coursework toward a master's of special education from Wagner in May, 2006. He is married to the former Kimberly Falkner. The couple has a three year-old son, Drew, and a one year-old daughter, Kara.
Dees joins George DeLeone (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Mark D'Onofrio (defensive coordinator), Bob Bicknell (offensive line), Ryan Day (wide receivers), Jeff Nixon (running backs) and Mike Siravo (recruiting coordinator/defensive assistant) on Golden's coaching staff.
