A native of Garyville, Louisiana, Raymond Monica looks forward to joining the coaching staff as the assistant head coach of football for the 2019 season.

Monica, who is in his 32nd year of coaching, explained why he took the position at the university.

“The main reason I came here was because of coach Scelfo,” said Monica. “I know what he’s about. I know what type of person he is, and to me, you work for good people. It wound up being a great fit for me because I’m from this area. I grew up an hour away from here. All my family is within an hour or less from here. I’ve been on this campus many of times. The education they have here is outstanding, and it was one of those things I knew I wanted to do.”

Frank Scelfo, football head coach, discussed his reasons for choosing Monica to fill the position.

“He and I were on the same staff at the Blue-Gray All-Star game in 2002,” explained Scelfo. “He’s been coaching for a long time. He has all the qualities we want in a coach. He’s a family guy, a disciplinarian, a developer, and somebody you want on your staff. He’s a leader of men, head coaching and coordinator experience and checks every box. He’ll give us a different perspective. He’ll take over a group of guys that need to be developed, and he’s perfect for the job.”

Monica’s passion for football developed when he was a student.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing the game since way back in elementary school,” shared Monica. “I’ve always wanted to coach college football. The older I got, I had a goal of one day being an assistant coach in college and eventually being a head coach.”

Monica previously served as the head coach at Arkansas Tech University, head coach at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Temple University and defensive line coach at the University of North Alabama which won three consecutive national championships from 1993-1995.

Along with the coaching part of the job, Monica also enjoys hearing back from the alumni on how they are doing in life.

“I started coaching in 1988,” stated Monica. “The thing I enjoy more than anything as a coach is that once the players graduate and come back, they talk about the type of job they have, how many kids they have, and how they’re doing in life. The thing is while we want to win games, when it’s all said and done, as you win championships, and you look at your championship rings, you think about the people more so than you think the games.”

Monica is grateful for the opportunity to be on the coaching staff and is ready to begin preparation for the 2019 season.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate coach Scelfo giving me the opportunity to be here at Southeastern,” expressed Monica. “I look forward to getting to know the guys that I’m coaching. I appreciate this football team and coaches for letting me into their family. I’ve been away from home for 32 years, and this is a place where I really wanted to be.”