ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany football program has announced promotions for Keith Dudzinski, who will serve as Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, and Nick Sanchez, who will be Assistant Defensive Coordinator/Cornerbacks Coach.

Dudzinski, who just completed his second season with the Great Danes, had served this past year as Assistant Head Coach/Safeties. He previously has been a defensive coordinator at Maryland (2015), UMass Amherst (2004-10) and Northeastern (2003).

“Keith has been a big part of our defense the past few years,” Head Coach Greg Gattuso said. “He has coordinator experience and is a natural fit to take over our defense going forward.”

Sanchez, a four-year letter winner at cornerback for Stanford (2005-08), coached UAlbany’s corners for the past three seasons. He also has coached at Pace, Ave Maria and Syracuse, where he was a graduate assistant in 2011.

“He’s a great up-and-coming young coach who’s really impressed me with his knowledge and effort,” Gattuso said. “He’s done a great job for us.”

Sanchez and Dudzinski helped lead a defense that was one of the best in the Football Championship Subdivision, ranking ninth nationally and second in the Colonial Athletic Association with just 282.1 yards allowed per game.