Purdue hires Bridge as offensive line coach
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue head football coach Darrell Hazell announced that Jim Bridge has been hired to coach the Boilermakers’ offensive line. Bridge’s addition completes Hazell’s coaching staff.
I’m excited to have Jim join our staff, Hazell said. He brings a lot of passion and experience to Purdue and he is a phenomenal teacher. I know our players are going to love working with him.
Bridge joins the Purdue staff from Illinois. He previously spent six seasons at North Carolina State where he served as the offensive line coach (2011-12) and tight ends coach (2007-10).
Bridge took over the reigns of the offensive line at N.C. State following the 2010 season after leading the Wolfpack tight ends for the previous four seasons. The 2012 Wolfpack offense averaged more than 420 yards per game and ranked 18th nationally in passing yards per game (310.1 ypg). At N.C. State, he coached four All-ACC players from 2009-12, including guard R.J. Mattes (2012), center Camden Wentz (2012) and tight end George Bryan (2009, ’10). Bryan was the Pack’s second-leading receiver with 40 catches and six scores in 2009, while leading all league tight ends in receptions. Bridge’s 2008 tight ends combined for 40 catches, 456 yards and eight of the Wolfpack’s 20 passing touchdowns. In 2008, Bridge was named one of the top recruiters in the nation by Rivals.com.
Prior to his six-year stint at N.C. State, Bridge helped coach the Boston College offense that led the ACC in total offense in 2005 and ranked second in the league in 2006. The 2006 Eagles, with Bridge as the tight ends coach, also led the league in first downs and passing offense.
Bridge has previously served as offensive line coach at Eastern Michigan (2002) and The Citadel (1996-99), and spent one year at Bowling Green as the tight ends coach (2000). In his 21 years of collegiate coaching experience, Bridge has coached in 12 bowl games and has tutored four players that went on to play professionally.
Bridge played tight end for Wittenberg University from 1988-92, and earned his B.A. from Wittenberg in 1992. He received his master’s degree in sports administration from Bowling Green State in 1994.
