WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University head football coach Chad Salisbury has finalized his coaching staff as the Hilltoppers continue preparations for the upcoming season, assembling a group that blends proven collegiate experience, player development success, and strong recruiting backgrounds.
"I'm excited about the staff we've put together," Salisbury said. "This group brings energy, experience, and a shared commitment to developing our student-athletes on and off the field. They understand what it takes to compete in this league and represent West Liberty the right way."
Offensive Staff
Phil Hamilton will serve as Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach, bringing more than 15 years of collegiate and high school coaching experience to the Hilltopper program. Hamilton joins West Liberty after a highly successful tenure at Waynesburg University, where he engineered major offensive improvements, increasing scoring by nearly seven points per game and boosting total offense by more than 50 yards per contest. His units produced the PAC's leading rusher and helped Waynesburg post its best two-year win total since 2014–15.
Hamilton previously served as offensive coordinator at Saint Vincent College and Clarion University, where his offenses shattered more than 30 school records and produced multiple All-Americans and all-conference selections. A former quarterback at Saint Vincent, Hamilton is known for quarterback development, offensive innovation, and recruiting success.
Bryce Perkins joins the staff as Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach. Perkins arrives from Gettysburg College, where his rushing attacks led the conference over the past two seasons and set a school record for yards per carry in 2024. His work helped produce Gettysburg's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2011 and back-to-back First Team All-Conference running backs.
A former Division II standout offensive lineman at PennWest California, Perkins also brings experience from Gannon University and has a strong recruiting background across multiple regions.
Wyatt Hirt will coach the running backs after spending the 2025 season as a graduate assistant and wide receivers coach at Bethany College.
Hirt joined the Bison staff following a four-year playing career at California University of Pennsylvania, where he appeared in 12 games and completed 11-of-20 passes with two touchdown throws. A three-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete, Hirt brings a strong understanding of the game along with an emphasis on academic success and player development.
A former quarterback at The Linsly School, Hirt returns to the Ohio Valley after earning selection to the 2019 OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Game and helping lead Linsly to an OVAC Championship in 2017.
Johnny Bonar, a former West Liberty standout, returns for his 10th season on the Hilltopper coaching staff and will coach the tight ends. Bonar has played a key role in developing All-MEC skill position players, including Rashawn Harry, who earned First Team All-MEC honors in 2023. A four-year letterman and three-year starter at WLU, Bonar remains a cornerstone of the program.
Defensive Staff
Anthony Kellar has been named Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach after spending the 2025 season at the University of Findlay. Kellar helped guide one of the nation's top defenses, ranking No. 2 nationally in run defense and No. 3 in total defense, while coaching multiple all-conference performers. His special teams units also posted dramatic national improvements in coverage and returns.
Kellar previously spent five seasons at Glenville State, where he developed multiple All-MEC linebackers, including 2024 MEC Defensive Player of the Year JaMair Diaz. A West Virginia native and WVU graduate, Kellar brings extensive Division II experience to the Hilltopper defense.
Jucqui Taylor joins the staff as Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach after serving at California University of Pennsylvania. Taylor helped lead one of the PSAC's most productive defenses and coordinated special teams units that ranked among the conference's best in return efficiency. He is known for his development of elite defensive backs and his energy on the recruiting trail.
Armani Carabello will coach the defensive line, bringing Division II playing experience and prior coaching stops at Millersville University and California (Pa.). A former collegiate linebacker, Carabello adds a player-first approach and strong attention to detail.
Caydan Keeler rounds out the staff as a Defensive Line/Linebackers Graduate Assistant, assisting with position development, film breakdown, and daily operations.
With his staff now in place, Salisbury and the Hilltopper coaches turn their focus to offseason development and preparation for the upcoming campaign.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
