Perry Eliano

Perry Eliano joined The University of New Mexico coaching staff in January of 2018, and he enters his second season coaching cornerbacks as well as serving as special teams coordinator.  He came to the Lobos after a two-year stint serving as the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Bowling Green.

In 2019, Eliano’s special teams were truly special, as the Lobos finished in the top 20 nationally in three catagories, finishing 10th nationally in net punting at 42.1 yards per punt, 13th nationally in blocked kicks with three, and 19th nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 24.1 yards per return.  Punter Tyson Dyer finished 10th nationally in punting at 46.1 yards per kick, and he led the NCAA in punts inside the 20, and in percentage of punts inside the 20.  Dyer was a Ray Guy semifinalist and was also second team All-Mountain West.

In 2018, Eliano watched the two starting Lobo corners end up with NFL teams after solid seasons.  Jalin Burrell and D’Angelo Ross tied for the team lead in pass breakups with six each.  Where Eliano made huge strides is with special teams, as New Mexico led the nation in kickoff return defense, and had the No. 1 punt returner in the nation, a first on both accounts for the school.  Marcus Hayes was a FWAA Freshman All-America as a punt returner.

He also tutored Aussie punter Tyson Dyer, who was named honorable mention All-Mountain West and was 17th nationally in punting average, including the longest punt by a sophomore in Mountain West history, and the longest punt in school history.  Freshman kicker Andrew Shelley also kicked a 53-yard field goal, tied for the second-longest in school history, and UNM was perfect on field goals for the season longer than any other FBS team in 2018.

In his last season with the Falcons, Bowling Green forced 24 takeaways, including 15 fumble recoveries and they scored two touchdowns.  The defense racked up 292 return yards on interceptions and fumbles, and the 15 fumble recoveries was tied for fourth nationally.

Prior to Bowling Green, Eliano spent five seasons at UTSA, starting with its inaugural season in 2011 through the 2015 season, coaching safeties and serving as special teams coordinator.  Overall, he coached eight all-conference players spanning two different conferences.  He also coached safety Tristan Wade, who in 2014 became UTSA’s first Jim Thorpe semifinalist.

Eliano coached two players who earned All-CUSA honors in cornerback Bennett Okotcha (second team) and safety Michael Egwuagu (honorable mention).

In 2014, Eliano helped lead a defense that ranked in the Conference USA top five in five different statistical categories, including second in rushing defense (140.8 ypg). UTSA forced 19 takeaways (10 fumbles/9 INTs) with his safeties combining for seven of the picks. Free safety Triston Wade signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in May 2015.

Eliano’s special teams also excelled in 2014 as the Roadrunners led the league in net punting (39.3 avg.) on the strength of honorable mention all-conference punter Kristian Stern, who set school records for punts (83) and punting average (41.2). The team was tied for third in field goals behind second-team all-conference place-kicker Sean Ianno, who made 17-of-21, including a school record 53-yarder against Florida Atlantic, along with registering 16 touchbacks on kickoffs. Deep snapper Jesse Medrano also collected second-team all-conference honors.

In 2013, Eliano helped lead UTSA to a 7-5 overall record, including victories over a pair of bowl teams. The Roadrunners finished second in the West Division with a 6-2 mark in their first season in Conference USA. He helped tutor a defense that forced 14 takeaways (6 fumbles/8 INTs), with the safeties combining for six of the picks, and allowed just 143.1 rushing yards per game.

Wade led the team in tackles (94), solo tackles (54) and interceptions (two), while Nic Johnston was third in stops (70). On special teams, Ianno established a school record for touchbacks with 21 and connected on all 38 of his extra-point attempts. Wade earned second-team All-Conference USA honors, while Johnston and Stern were honorable mention all-conference.

In 2012, Eliano helped lead UTSA to an 8-4 overall record and a 3-3 mark in its first and only season in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The campaign was highlighted by historic wins against South Alabama, the program’s first road and Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) victory, and New Mexico State, its first league win. The defense forced 29 takeaways (16 fumbles/13 interceptions), which led to 22 scores (15 TDs/7 FGs), and Wade garnered first-team All-WAC accolades.

In his first year overseeing special teams, the placekickers combined to make 15-of-19 field goals and all 45 PATs. Kenny Harrison finished second in the FBS in punt return average (17.3), had a program-record 79-yard TD return in the season-ending victory against I-35 rival Texas State and was an honorable mention all-league selection.

Eliano helped lead the Roadrunners to a 4-6 record during their inaugural campaign in 2011. The defense allowed just 21.4 points and 126.2 yards rushing per game and forced 21 takeaways (11 fumbles, 10 interceptions), which led to 15 scores. His safeties recovered six fumbles — three by Johnston — and picked off five passes.

Prior to his time on the Roadrunners coaching staff, Eliano was an assistant at Central Arkansas from 2006-10. He coached defensive backs throughout his tenure and was named associate head coach prior to his final season. Eliano coached the 2005 season as Sam Houston State’s secondary coach after an earlier two-season stint at Central Arkansas as the running backs and wide receivers coach. Eliano coached wide receiver Mike Norvell at Central Arkansas, who was recently hired as Florida State’s head coach after a successful run at Memphis.

A Killeen, Texas native, Eliano got his coaching start as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Stephen F. Austin, from 2001-02. Eliano played safety for the Lumberjacks from 1996-99. He was the team’s Defensive Most Valuable Player and leading tackler in both 1998 and ‘99. Playing strong safety as a senior, he registered a team-high 99 tackles to help guide the Lumberjacks to the Southland Championship and was named all-conference following that campaign. He also was named the Ralph Todd Award (University Outstanding Male Athlete) winner the following spring.

A standout prep defensive back, Eliano was a three-year letterwinner at Ellison High School from 1993-95. He earned all-state honors following his senior season after helping the Eagles reach the Class 5A state quarterfinals.

Eliano earned his bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin in 2000 and a master’s in secondary education three years later. He and his wife, Regenia, have two sons, Amari and Evan.