C OAC HE S
SCOTT VALLONE
WILL GILKISON
DEFENSIVE ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
Hometown: Central Islip, N.Y. Alma Mater: Rutgers, 2012
Hometown: Union Beach, N.J. Alma Mater: Rutgers, 2005 Wife: Katie Children: Margaret, Willam, Grace
Scott Vallone returns to Rutgers for his first year on the coaching staff as a defensive assistant. Vallone spent last season as an assistant coach with St. Lawrence University working with the defensive line.
Will Gilkison enters his fifth season as Director of Football Operations. Gilkison spent the previous year serving as the Director of External Operations and prior to that stint was a member of the Rutgers football staff for three seasons.
While at St. Lawrence, Vallone coached defensive lineman Chyron Brown-Wallace. The sophomore was named a NCAA Division III All-American, First Team All-Region by D3Football.com and First-Team All-Liberty League.
Gilkison’s duties include the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the football program, along with logistical and budgetary responsibilities. He also manages team travel, organizes preseason camp and serves as the team’s liaison to other athletic department offices and university branches.
Vallone graduated from Rutgers in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. He was a four-year starter for the Scarlet Knights at defensive tackle and was a First Team All-BIG EAST selection in 2012. Vallone amassed 195 tackles in 51 consecutive starts. The Central Islip, N.Y. native received the David Bender Trophy after his senior season, awarded to the top defensive lineman. As a senior he had 50 tackles, including a teamhigh 12.0 tackles for loss. After his freshman season he was named a FWAA Freshman All-American and placed on Phil Steele’s Freshman All-American team. Following graduation, Vallone played in the East-West Shrine Game, and had professional stints with three NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and New England Patriots. He also spent time in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes.
COACHING CAREER 2015 - Rutgers (defensive assistant) 2014 - St. Lawerence University (defensive line)
PLAYING CAREER Four-year letterwinner for Rutgers
A four-year letterwinner at linebacker with the Scarlet Knights, Gilkison captained the 2005 Insight Bowl team and was the recipient of the Paul Robeson Award, presented annually to the individual whose performance, leadership, and dedication on and off the field during his career has had the greatest impact on Rutgers football. Gilkison became a member of the staff in 2006 as a student assistant. He was responsible for helping prepare and implement weekly practice schedules. Gilkison also worked as a strength and conditioning assistant during this time, creating and facilitating off-season training programs while instructing players in skill development. In 2008, Gilkison joined the player development staff, serving as a mentor for first and second year players. He oversaw the transition of these individuals into the college environment, assisting them with basic life skills, time management, goal setting and prioritizing. A 2007 graduate, Gilkison earned a B.A. in history and completed his graduate degree in elementary and special education in 2008. He and his wife Katie currently reside in Union Beach, N.J. The couple have three children, Margaret, William and Grace.
PLAYING CAREER Four-year letterwinner for Rutgers
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