Coach Ivan Pearl was announced Monday December 11th as the new defensive coordinator at Avila University. Pearl started as a defensive position coach on the original football team in Avila’s inaugural season of 2000. In his time as the secondary coach he has helped produce eight all- conference players at the defensive back position. The most current was this years Nick Saviano who lead the Heart of America Conference in tackles and was in the top three for interceptions. Pearl’s direct contact with the defense has allowed Avila to compete with many of the HAAC teams who consistently throw the football.

Born and raised in Kansas City, a Park Hill High School graduate, Pearl knows the Kansas City football history and has been a top recruiter of local talent. Following high school he attended and played football for the Kansas State Wildcats under famed Head Coach Jim Dickey. It was in Manhattan and the old Big Eight conference that Pearl became known as a fierce hitter and stand-out cornerback. After his career at K-State Pearl spent two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, and then spent one more year playing in the United States Football League.

A staunch family man, his wife Kelly teaches for the Grandview school district with son Brandon attending Truman State and playing baseball while his daughter Britny is a junior at Grandview and very involved in athletics.

After his announcement by head coach Bruce Young the meeting room erupted in applause and shouts of support. Coach Pearl’s knowledge and repore with the squad has already jump started the defense for the 2007 season.