The 2013 campaign marks Roy Istvan's sixth year at theUniversity of Rhode Island. The upcoming season also marks histhird as the offensive coordinator and his sixth as offensive linecoach.
In 2012, Rhode Island's offensive line allowed just 17 sacks in11 games, which ranked fourth-best in CAA Football. Four ofIstvan's linemen were named to the CAA Football All-Academic Team,and senior guard Kyle Elliott was named to the COSIDA Capital OneAcademic All-District Team for the second straight season.
In 2011, Istvan coached two offensive linemen to All-CAA honors.Jason Foster earned second-team honors, while Kyle Bogumil wasnamed to the third team. It was the second straight year bothplayers were on the all-conference team. Istvan's linemen paved theway for Rhode Island to average 150.3 yards per game on the ground.Following the season, Foster signed with the Indianapolis Colts asan undrafted free agent and is currently on the Oakland Raidersroster.
Wide receiver Anthony Baskerville also flourished under Istvan'ssystem. Baskerville - another All-CAA selection - led the league inyards per reception (15.9). The wide receiver also ranked third inreceiving yards (731) and touchdown receptions (6), as well asseventh in receptions (46). In two seasons with Rhode Island he had94 receptions for 1,231 yards and nine touchdowns. He was named tothe 2011 Division I FCS All-New England Football Team by the NewEngland Football Writers Association.
Under Istvan, the Rhode Island offense as a whole showed markedimprovement in 2011. The Rams scored 11 more offensive touchdowns(32) in 2011 than it did in 2010 (21).
In 2010, Istvan's blocking schemes helped Rhody average 146.4rushing yards per game, which ranked fifth in CAA Football. Inaddition, the line helped pave the way for quarterback Steve Probstto average 225.1 total yards per game. In the Rams Governor's Cupvictory over Brown, URI rushed for 200 yards on the ground. Theweek before against nationally-ranked New Hampshire Rhody tallied aseason-best 216 yards rushing. Following the year, a pair of URIlineman where placed on the CAA Football All-League squad as KyleBogumil and Jason Foster were both named Third Team.
In 2009, the offensive line protected quarterback ChrisPaul-Etienne, allowing him to pass for 14 touchdowns. The Ramsoffensive line also limited opponents to just 26 sacks in 2009,which was 13 fewer from 2008.
During his first year in Kingston, URI lineman protected formerquarterback Derek Cassidy and allowed him the time to throw for2,759 yards through the air. Cassidy's total passing yards ranks asthe third-highest single season mark in school history.
Prior to arriving at URI, Istvan spent the 2006 and 2007 seasonsas offensive coordinator at Milford Academy, where he coachedseveral division I football players. He also spent the 2007 seasonas an offensive line consultant to Sportstars INC. where he trainedcurrent NFL player Tony Ugoh (Indianapolis Colts) and LeSean McCoy(Philadelphia Eagles).
Before heading to Milford, he spent five seasons at theUniversity of Buffalo (2001-2005). In his first three years, Istvanserved as the run game coordinator/offensive line coach. In 2003the Bulls rushed for over 2,000 yards, which ranked third in theMid-American Conference. The following season, Istvan was rewardedfor his efforts and was promoted to offensive coordinator. In 2005,Buffalo recorded the most rushing touchdowns since it joined theMAC in 1999 and allowed the fewest amount of sacks since it joinedthe league.
Istvan began his coaching career in 1990 as a graduate assistantat Southern Connecticut State University where he also played.During his 11 seasons at SCSU, the Owls set 53 school offensiverecords and posted a 67-45 record. He also coached former NewEngland Patriots offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion JoeAndruzzi.
A 1990 graduate of SCSU, Istvan and his wife, Kristin, havethree children - Jaylin and twins Kambria and Zachariah.
Updated June 14, 2013
