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Football Welcomes Tom Zbikowski as New Assistant Coach
8/2/2023 1:03:00 PM | Football
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown head football coach James Perry has announced a pair of changes to his coaching staff, including the hiring of Tom Zbikowski as an assistant coach. An NFL veteran and All-American at Notre Dame, Zbikowski will serve as the team's safeties coach.
In addition, Matt O'Donnell '12 has been promoted to the team's Recruiting Coordinator position and will transition to coaching the defensive line. A former All-Ivy selection and member of the Bears' '08 Ivy championship team, O'Donnell coached the team's cornerbacks last season, his first year on staff.
Zbikowski spent the 2022 season as a defensive quality control assistant at Western Michigan. He previously gained coaching experience in football and wrestling at the high school level in Illinois.
"We are excited about the addition of Tom to the staff," Perry said. "He has proven himself to be a terrific football coach and his experiences at the highest level in the NFL and college football will benefit our players."
A five-year NFL veteran, Zbikowski was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Over four seasons in Baltimore, Zbikowski played in 56 games as a defensive back and kick returner. He tallied two interceptions in 2009 and was named an AFC Alternate for the 2009 Pro Bowl. In 2011, he helped the Ravens rank fourth in the NFL in pass defense. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent for the 2012 season.
Zbikowski starred in college at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a two-time All-American and two-time team captain. Following his senior season in 2006, he was selected as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's best defensive back. During his fifth year in 2007, Zbikowski helped the Fighting Irish secondary rank third in the nation in pass defense.
Zbikowski also enjoyed a professional boxing career from 2006-2020, going undefeated in his career and competing in bouts at Madison Square Garden, Las Vegas MGM Grand and Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. He also spent three years as a member of the Chicago Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT.
Brown will kick off its 2023 season with a pair of road games at Bryant on September 16 and a trip to Harvard on Friday, September 22. The home opener at Richard Gouse Field at Brown Stadium is set for September 30 against Central Connecticut State.
RELATED:
Meet the Bears Free Youth Clinic
2023 Promotional Schedule Announcement
Buy 2023 Season Tickets
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the lifeblood of the athletics program, and exists to enhance the student-athlete experience through philanthropic support from alumni, parents, fans and friends. A gift through the Sports Foundation makes an immediate impact on today's Brown Bears and helps them to be their best in the classroom, in competition and most importantly in the community. To learn more about supporting the Bears, please click here.
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For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on Twitter, @BrownU_Bears on Instagram, like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
In addition, Matt O'Donnell '12 has been promoted to the team's Recruiting Coordinator position and will transition to coaching the defensive line. A former All-Ivy selection and member of the Bears' '08 Ivy championship team, O'Donnell coached the team's cornerbacks last season, his first year on staff.
Zbikowski spent the 2022 season as a defensive quality control assistant at Western Michigan. He previously gained coaching experience in football and wrestling at the high school level in Illinois.
"We are excited about the addition of Tom to the staff," Perry said. "He has proven himself to be a terrific football coach and his experiences at the highest level in the NFL and college football will benefit our players."
A five-year NFL veteran, Zbikowski was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Over four seasons in Baltimore, Zbikowski played in 56 games as a defensive back and kick returner. He tallied two interceptions in 2009 and was named an AFC Alternate for the 2009 Pro Bowl. In 2011, he helped the Ravens rank fourth in the NFL in pass defense. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent for the 2012 season.
Zbikowski starred in college at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a two-time All-American and two-time team captain. Following his senior season in 2006, he was selected as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's best defensive back. During his fifth year in 2007, Zbikowski helped the Fighting Irish secondary rank third in the nation in pass defense.
Zbikowski also enjoyed a professional boxing career from 2006-2020, going undefeated in his career and competing in bouts at Madison Square Garden, Las Vegas MGM Grand and Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. He also spent three years as a member of the Chicago Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT.
Brown will kick off its 2023 season with a pair of road games at Bryant on September 16 and a trip to Harvard on Friday, September 22. The home opener at Richard Gouse Field at Brown Stadium is set for September 30 against Central Connecticut State.
RELATED:
Meet the Bears Free Youth Clinic
2023 Promotional Schedule Announcement
Buy 2023 Season Tickets
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the lifeblood of the athletics program, and exists to enhance the student-athlete experience through philanthropic support from alumni, parents, fans and friends. A gift through the Sports Foundation makes an immediate impact on today's Brown Bears and helps them to be their best in the classroom, in competition and most importantly in the community. To learn more about supporting the Bears, please click here.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on Twitter, @BrownU_Bears on Instagram, like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
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