DURANGO, Colo. – June 30, 2017 – Fort Lewis College head football coach Ed Rifilato is stepping down as head football coach, citing health concerns.  Defensive coordinator Joe Morris has been elevated to Interim Head Coach for the 2017 season, while Rifilato will stay on staff as the linebackers coach. 
 
"It is time for me to begin the process of taking better care of myself," said Rifilato.  "I love Fort Lewis College, and I would like to thank President Dene Thomas and Director of Athletics Gary Hunter for allowing me to stay on staff and coach linebackers in the fall."
 
"We can't thank Ed enough for his commitment and contributions to FLC and the football program," said Hunter.  "Our improvement in the classroom and on the field has earned the respect of his student-athletes and his peers in the RMAC.  We are delighted he has decided to stay on staff." 
 
"Joe has learned from some great coaches and is now ready to lead us to the next level," continued Hunter.
 
The 2017 season will mark Rifilato's 12^th season with the Skyhawks football program.  Rifilato came to Fort Lewis in the spring of 2002 as the defensive coordinator.  He served as the head coach from 2004-09, recording a 26-48 overall record (.351), a 21-39 league record (.350) and the program's first post-season win in 2006 with a 24-14 win over Dixie State College. 
 
After a two-year hiatus from FLC, Rifilato returned in 2012 as the defensive coordinator, a position he held for three years under then-head coach John L. Smith.  Following Smith's resignation after the 2015 season, Rifilato was once again named head coach.
 
"Coach Morris will do an excellent job as head coach," said Rifilato.  "We have been working together for a long time. He played for me here and he coached with me here."
 
A 2005 graduate of Fort Lewis College, Joe Morris was a four-year starting linebacker for the Skyhawks from 2002-05.  He returned to his alma mater for the second time in his coaching career in 2013. 
 
"I would like to thank FLC Athletic Director Gary Hunter, and most importantly President Dene Thomas for having enough faith in me to give me this opportunity," said Morris.  "Coach Ed Rifilato has been an incredible mentor throughout my coaching career and as a player here at FLC.  I am thankful to have such a great resource like him remaining on our staff!  I would also like to thank Coach John L. Smith for bringing me back to the Fort and Durango in 2013.   
 
"My family and I are extremely excited to have the opportunity to lead the Skyhawk football program.  My wife Kelsey and I are both FLC alumni and we cherish being a part of this amazing institution, town and community." 
 
Morris, who coached the defensive line in 2013 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in December 2015, is in his ninth year overall as part of the Skyhawks coaching staff.

From 2006-2009, Morris was an assistant coach for the Skyhawks, spending three seasons as defensive coordinator (2007-2009) and one year as defensive line coach (2006).  
 
Between stints as an assistant coach for the Skyhawks, Morris spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons as an assistant coach for the defensive line at Colorado State University.  Prior to joining the Rams coaching staff, Morris was head coach at New Mexico Highlands University during the 2010 season.

"It's always challenging to step into a new role, but with the great support here at FLC and the commitment to student-athletes, it makes this transition a whole lot easier," said Morris.  "I know the RMAC, I know what it takes to recruit great players to FLC, and I know we have the players here to compete and win an RMAC championship!"
 
The Skyhawks will open the 2017 season at home on Sept. 2 against Chadron State College.