Courtesy: Princeton Athletic CommunicationsBen Martin, who spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Texas A&M, has been hired as the new running backs coach at Princeton University, it was announced Friday by head coach Bob Surace. Martin replaces Andrew Aurich, who accepted an assistant coaching position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"The opportunity to share in the rich Princeton tradition and to work with Coach Surace is a privilege," Martin said. "I am honored to be part of the Princeton community, athletic department and football staff. I am excited to develop highly motivated student-athletes in the attainment of our common goals, Ivy League championships."
Martin, who helped guide the Aggies to a Big 12 South Division title in 2010 while working under former NFL head coach Mike Sherman, has been an assistant coach for a trio of collegiate programs since 2007. Prior to his two years at Texas A&M under Sherman, who won three NFC North titles while with the Green Bay Packers, Martin spent two seasons as the run-game coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Merrimack College. He served under head coach John Perry, brother of Princeton offensive coordinator James Perry.
While at Merrimack, Martin helped turn the Warriors into one of the most impressive offenses in the nation. During his second year, when Merrimack won the Northeast 10, the Warriors led the conference in scoring, total and rushing offense, as well as both sacks against and first downs. Merrimack averaged 482.6 yards of total offense and 251.6 yards of rushing offense per game, which were both Top-5 national totals during the season.
"We are excited to have Ben Martin join the Princeton football coaching staff as our running backs coach," Surace said. "He has terrific experience being in successful offensive systems with Merrimack College, where he worked with James Perry's brother John, and most recently at Texas A & M."
Martin, who played college football at Trinity and helped the Bantams set a NESCAC record win streak while winning three conference titles as an offensive lineman, began his coaching career at Curry College as an offensive line/tight ends coach. Curry won a conference title in 2007 and earned its first playoff victory in school history. Curry led the conference in scoring (36.5), rushing (206.4) and total offense (416.9) that season.
Martin also helped St. John's Prep to a state championship in 1997 and served as captain his senior season.
