Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletics

Rod Rutherford enters his fifth season on the IUP staff as the wide receivers coach in 2015.

Under the coaching of Rutherford in 2014, first team All-PSAC wideout Drew Carswell had a breakout season as IUP’s top target, catching 55 passes for 785 yards and nine touchdowns. The senior had career-highs of 15 catches and 150 yards against Cal on Oct. 18. Those 15 receptions also tied an IUP single game record.

In 2013, wide receiver Terrill Barnes was the first Crimson Hawk to go over 1,000 yards since Carmelo Ocasio in 2002.

In 2012, Rutherford was part of a coaching staff that led the Hawks to a 12-2 record and a NCAA playoff appearance.

Prior to IUP, Rutherford spent the 2009 and 2010 seasons as a graduate assistant at Pitt coaching the linebackers and wide receivers. Rutherford was part of a Pitt team that won 10 games for the first time since 1981.

During the 2007 season, Rutherford served as a volunteer quarterback coach at Pitt.

Rutherford was a two-year starter at Pitt, starting 26 games and and earning All-Big East first team honors in 2003 and second team honors in 2004. He set the school record for passing yards in a season with 3,679 in 2003.

In 2004, Rutherford signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent. The following season he was a member of the practice squad of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Rutherford was also a member of the 2007 World Bowl championship Hamburg Seadevils of NFL Europe.


Updated on 8/28/15