Feb. 21, 2006

UPLAND, Ind. - James Bell, a former NCAA Division I head coach with 25 years of experience, has been named as Taylor University's (Ind.) new football coach.

Bell becomes Taylor's 12th head coach following a three-year stint as head coach of Jackson State University (Miss.). While with the Tigers, he compiled an 8-26 record. He also worked as an assistant coach at Indiana, Wake Forest, Louisville and North Texas.

"Taylor athletics is very excited about Coach Bell and the whole-person approach he exhibits," Taylor athletic director David Bireline said in a press release. "His football background has allowed him to work with some of the country's leading coaches. We are looking forward to his leadership in the football program."

Bell replaces Steve Wilt, who resigned in December after 12 seasons as the Trojans' coach. Wilt, who took over at Taylor in 1994, had a 45-79 record with the Trojans.

Taylor is holding a press conference at 11:30 a.m. Monday to present Bell.

Jackson State fired Bell midway through the 2005 season after his Tigers started with a 2-6 record.

Before becoming a head coach, Bell served as a defensive coordinator at North Texas, Wake Forest and Indiana. He was a defensive backs coach at Louisville.

Wake Forest's defense under Bell ranked 10th in the nation in 1997 in rushing yards per game. While with the Hoosiers, Bell's defense was the second most improved in the nation in points allowed in 2001.

Five defensive backs coached by Bell have been drafted into the NFL.

As an assistant, Bell has worked with some big-name coaches. At Louisville, he coached under Howard Snellenberger. Bell also worked with Indianapolis Colts' quarterback coach Jim Caldwell while at Wake Forest. He worked with former coach Cam Cameron at IU.

Bell takes over a Trojans team that was 0-10 in 2005 and lost by and average margin of 25 points per game.