GREENVILLE, Pa. (April 26) -- Thiel College Football head coach Sam Bauman announced the hirings of Robert Ferrazzani and Joe Blume to the coaching staff Monday afternoon.

Ferrazzani will be the defensive coordinator as he brings nearly a decade of collegiate coaching experience with a strong defensive background. Blume will serve as defensive line coach as he adds a blend of Division I and Division III experience in defensive operations and player development.

Ferrazzani joins the Tomcats following a stint as linebackers coach at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he coached a First Team All-Conference linebacker during the 2025 season. Prior to MIT, he served as defensive quality control coach at the University of New Hampshire, helping guide the Wildcats to the 2024 FCS Playoffs as a No. 16 seed.

Ferrazzani's most notable tenure came at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he spent five seasons as defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. During his time leading the defense, Ferrazzani coached one All-American and nine All-Conference selections while developing one of the top units in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). His 2019 defense led the conference in points allowed, turnovers forced and sacks, and also produced the league's interceptions, tackles and sack leaders.

He also spent time at the Naval Academy Preparatory School as defensive backs coach, where he was responsible for position development, game planning and recruiting. Ferrazzani began his collegiate coaching career at MIT as a defensive assistant.

Blume arrives in Greenville after serving as defensive quality control coach at the University of St. Thomas from 2024–25. In that role, he played a key part in opponent scouting and defensive game planning, breaking down film by formation and concept while assisting with in-game adjustments and substitutions.

Blume also contributed on the field, working with linebackers and defensive line during practice periods, coordinating tackling circuits and leading position meetings during spring practice. He was actively involved in recruiting efforts across Ohio and Indiana and evaluated high school and transfer portal prospects.

Prior to his collegiate experience, Blume served as an assistant varsity coach at St. Louis University High School, where he led a position group and helped develop weekly game plans and practice structures.

Thiel heads into the 2026 season looking to regroup following a 1-9 2025 campaign.