Elon hires Rich Skrosky as new football coach

Elon has hired Ball State assistant Rich Skrosky as its football coach.

Athletic director Dave Blank announced the hiring Thursday.

Skrosky was on Pete Lembo's staff at Elon from 2006-10 before following him to Ball State, where he spent the past three seasons as the Cardinals' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Ball State (10-2) averaged 486 yards and 40 points this season, beat Virginia by three touchdowns and earned a berth in the GoDaddy Bowl.

Skrosky says he is ''returning to a place that is very special'' to him.

He replaces Jason Swepson, who was fired Nov. 25 after going 10-24 in three seasons.

The Phoenix will begin play in the CAA in 2014 after competing in the Southern Conference since 2003.