Phil Longo sets to begin his first year as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Southern Illinois University.

Longo joins the Saluki staff from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he was offensive coordinator under "Bubba" Schweigert in 2007.

Prior to UMD, Longo was head coach at LaSalle for two seasons. During his time at the LaSalle helm, Longo produced two MAAC Offensive Player of the Year award recipients, five All-Americans (a first for the LaSalle football program) and 13 All-MAAC selections.

In addition, he oversaw an offensive unit which set numerous school records and finished first in the MAAC in both passing and total offense on two occasions.

A New Jersey native, Longo signed on with the Explorers after spending two years as offensive coordinator at William Paterson (N.J.) University.

Longo other head coaching experience at a pair of New Jersey secondary schools -- Parsippany Hills High School (1996-99) and Orange High School (1995) -- and, he worked as an assistant coach at Williamson (PA) Junior College (1994) and New Jersey City State University (1993).

Longo played three years of football at Rowan University (1988-89 and 1991). As a running back, he was a member of the school's first New Jersey Athletic Conference championship and NCAA Division III playoff team as a senior.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education from Rowan University in 1992.