JEFFREY REINHART jreinhart@LNPnews.com

Joe Trainer has resigned his post as head football coach at Millersville University. He stepped down after three years on the job, and he’s set to take over as defensive coordinator at the University of Rhode Island.

Joe Trainer has resigned as head football coach at Millersville University.

The former Villanova University defensive coordinator compiled a 14-19 record in three seasons as the Marauders’ 19th head coach. The Marauders went 3-8 this season.

Trainer has accepted a position as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at the University of Rhode Island.

“I’m certainly grateful for the opportunity at Millersville,” Trainer told the New Era. “It was incredibly challenging, but it was also incredible rewarding.”

Trainer will leave MU on Jan. 2 and join coach Darren Rizzi’s staff at URI. Trainer and Rizzi previously coached together at New Haven and Colgate.

Rizzi was recently named URI’s 18th head coach in program history, and he’s bringing an old friend aboard to run his defense.

The Rams went 3-8 this season with victories over Brown, UMass and Northeastern. URI competes in the Colonial Athletic Association.

“We wish the best for Joe in his new position,” MU athletic director Peg Kauffman said in a release. “We appreciate the commitment and dedication he made to the program during his tenure. Joe has impacted the lives of many of our student athletes in a positive way.”

MU has named longtime assistant coach Ron Rankin the interim head coach.

“This was a tremendous learning experience for me,” said Trainer, whose stop at MU was his first as a head coach.

“I am certainly a better person and a better coach after my experience here.”