Duke names Bridge assistant head coach/special teams coordinator

On Friday Duke named Jim Bridge its new assistant head coach/special teams coordinator to fill the role left vacant when Jeff Roper was promoted to offensive coordinator.

Bridge, who will also oversee the tight ends, spent the last three seasons on Purdue’s staff as an offensive line coach and served six seasons on the N.C. State sideline prior to that.

“We’re certainly thrilled to have Jim Bridge and his family join the Duke family,” Duke coach David Cutcliffe said in a statement.  “Jim’s professional track record speaks for itself.  He’s a veteran coach who has been part of some really, really good coaching staffs, and that’s not by accident.  He’s coached in a bunch of bowl games.  He’s recruited at a very high level.  We certainly knew Jim from both a coaching and recruiting standpoint when he was at N.C. State.  On top of the coaching aspect, I know he’ll fit right into our program because of his value system.  He’s a great husband and father.  He’s a terrific addition to our staff.”

As special teams coordinator, Bridge mush find way to replace all-ACC kicker Ross Martin and punter Will Monday.

Duke finished the 2015 season with an 8-5 (4-4) record.