WAYNE, N.J. -- Jerry Flora has been named the interim head coach of the William Paterson University football program, director of intercollegiate athletics Sabrina Grant announced Dec. 19. Flora recently completed his sixth season as an assistant coach for the Pioneers.

This past season, he coached the wide receivers and served as the recruiting coordinator, strength and conditioning coordinator and offensive coordinator while also completing many of the program's administrative duties.

“I am very happy for the opportunity to assume leadership of the William Paterson football program,” said Flora. “The players are committed to our vision for the future, and we are all going to work together as one to continue to take positive steps towards achieving that goal.”

During his six years at William Paterson, Flora has helped recruit and develop several all-conference performers, including WP all-time career receiving yardage and receptions leader Kareen Moon. During each of his six seasons, one of Flora's wide receiver charges earned all-conference laurels (Bryant Richardson, 2002-03; Moon, 2004-07), and he was instrumental in the recruitment of several other all-NJAC performers, including current safety Harold Green (2006-07) and former standouts Chuck Patterson (2007), Frank Musolino (2007), Shadee Davis (2005), Tim Dolan (2006), Dan Casasnovas (2005-06) and Tom Larsen (2003, 2005).

Prior to arriving at William Paterson, Flora coached at Division I-AA Iona College (1992-96, 1998-2001), mentoring the wide receivers as well as coordinating the special teams and managing alumni relations. He was a three-year starter at offensive tackle at Iona before emerging as the starting tight end his senior year. In addition, he was the offensive line coach at FDU-Florham (1997-98).

“Jerry has a wealth of experience in all phases of coaching football that will provide a smooth transition from serving as a long-standing assistant to the role of the head coach of the William Paterson football program,” Grant said. “Jerry's tireless work ethic has earned him the respect of the players, coaches and the entire University community. The Pioneer football program will benefit from Jerry's leadership, commitment and passion for the game.”

Flora runs JF Camps LLC for boys in grades K-8 in Westchester County, N.Y. He earned a bachelor's degree in management from Iona in 1992, and a master's in school administration from the same school in 2002. Flora resides in White Plains, N.Y., with his wife, Diane, and their infant son, Francis Michael.