Valparaiso University head football coach Stacy Adams has announced that Sam Bernardi will be returning to the Crusader sidelines as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator.

Bernardi was on the sidelines for Valpo for 14 seasons from 1991 through 2004, including his role as the defensive coordinator for the last ten years. He was a member of the Brown and Gold's coaching staff for both the 2000 and 2003 Pioneer Football League championships.

During his first four years at Valpo, he guided the secondary and special teams. He joined the Crusaders after assisting at Valparaiso High School from 1988-1990. He is a 1990 graduate of Indiana University.

?It will be nice to have Coach Bernardi back on our sidelines," Adams said. ?He brings a great deal to the program and his experience will be a great asset for our kids to learn from. As we try to move back to our championship ways, having Coach Bernardi, as well as Coach (Chip) Taylor, back to our staff will go a long way towards trying to accomplish that goal."

Bernardi replaces Stan Rettew who left the Valpo program at the end of December.