Aurora University welcomed the newest addition to the Athletic Department coaching staff as Donovan Raiola joined the football program as the offensive line coach. A three-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention center at the University of Wisconsin and former Notre Dame graduate assistant, Raiola brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the Spartan offensive line.
"Anytime you can offer your players the opportunity to work with a coach who has competed at the highest level you are enhancing their college experience," said AU Head Football Coach Rick Ponx. "I have the utmost respect for the coaches Donovan has played for and worked with. I am sure their years of experience will show up in Donovan's coaching. In addition, the fact he returned to his high school alma mater to make a difference for his community speaks volumes about the type of person we are adding to our staff. Aurora University and our football program took another step forward today."
Raiola spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons working with Coach Harry Hiestand and the offensive line at the University of Notre Dame and the 2014 season as an intern with the University of Hawai'i football program. He assisted Rainbow Warrior offensive line coach Chris Naeole.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to be a part of Aurora University." said Raiola. "I look forward to immersing myself into the culture and community here at AU."
Raiola started 39 of 43 career games for the Badgers (2002-05), including 38 of his final 39 contests, and served as team captain as a senior. Raiola was named to the 2003, 2004 and 2005 preseason watch lists for the Rimington Trophy, given to college football's outstanding center. He also was selected to the watch list for the 2004 Outland Trophy. Sporting News rated him as the fifth-best center in the country.
The Honolulu, Hawai'i, native signed a National Football League free-agent contract with the St. Louis Rams in 2006. He ultimately spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins.
Prior to the 2014 campaign at Hawai'i, Raiola spent two years as an assistant coach for his scholastic alma mater, Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama (2012-13). He coached the offensive line and helped organize clinics for high school offensive linemen in the state of Hawai'i during the offseason.
Raiola graduated from Wisconsin in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural business management.
The AU football team opens the 2017 season on Saturday, September 2 when they host Carthage College. Kick off is set for 1:00 p.m. on Vago Field in Aurora, Illinois.
