HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Troy Purcell, a former Carroll College football player who coached three future NFL players in high school, is the new head coach at his alma mater.
Purcell was named Friday to succeed Mike Van Diest, who retired after 20 seasons and six NAIA national titles. Purcell said he's excited to continue the tradition of excellence at Carroll.
Purcell played for coach Bob Petrino at Carroll and led Havre High (2004) and Bozeman High (2010, 2013) to state championships. He has been an assistant to Idaho coach Paul Petrino for the past three seasons, serving as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach this fall.
Former NFL return specialist Marc Mariani was on Havre's title team while current Seattle Seahawks tight end Will Dissly and San Francisco 49ers linebacker Brock Coyle were on Purcell's teams at Bozeman.
His immediate plans are to meet the players, do some recruiting and hire assistants.

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