Montgomery new Miami-Ohio coach

SHREVEPORT, La., Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Prior toplaying in the Independence Bowl Tuesday, Miami-Ohio announced Shane Montgomery has been promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach.

The RedHawks, playing Iowa State in the school's ninth bowl appearance, were formerly led by Terry Hoeppner. who will take over as head coach at Indiana University following the game.

Montgomery, 32nd head coach in the program's history, has served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since 2001.

Montgomery, 37, is now the youngest head coach in Division I- A. He is best known for his crucial role in the development of Pittsburgh Steelers rookie phenom quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Last season under Montgomery, the RedHawk offense ranked second in the nation in yards per game (501.1) while breaking new Mid-American Conference single-season records for total offense and total touchdowns.

Montgomery also has served as an assistant at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, where he held several coaching positions from 1993-2000.