Elon football coach Tony Trisciani has added a seasoned leader with extensive FBS experience to his staff, announcing Doug Martin as the new offensive coordinator.
Martin brings decades of experience to the Phoenix, including head coaching stints at Kent State and New Mexico State and offensive coordinator roles at East Carolina, Boston College and East Tennessee State.
Martin’s connection to North Carolina runs deep, as he spent more than a decade at East Carolina (1992-2002). He served as the Pirates’ tight ends, wide receivers and special teams coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 1996. During his tenure, ECU reached five bowl games, and Martin played a pivotal role in developing NFL quarterback David Garrard.
“As a player, Coach Martin taught me the values of playing the quarterback position that I needed going into the NFL. But the values he taught me about being a man, I’ve carried through life,” Garrard said in a release by Elon announcing the Martin hire. “Anyone being coached by Coach Martin will be a better quarterback and, more importantly, a better person.”
Known for his innovative offensive schemes, Martin most recently served as the offensive coordinator for the Memphis Showboats of the UFL. His career track record includes developing standout players like Julian Edelman, who transitioned from quarterback at Kent State to a Super Bowl MVP wide receiver with the New England Patriots.
“Elon made a fantastic hire in Coach Martin,” said former Elon and USFL quarterback Davis Cheek. “Coach Martin’s track record speaks for itself in his coaching proficiency. Most importantly, he has an uncanny ability to get the most out of his players by approaching them with humility and understanding. I am excited to see Coach Martin and Elon thrive in the coming years.”
Martin’s career arc, which includes leading New Mexico State to its first bowl appearance in 57 years (a 26-20 win over Utah State in 2017), positions him as a dynamic addition to Elon’s offensive coaching staff.
Martin replaces Drew Folmar, who held the post for eight seasons. He was let go at the end of this past season.
Elon posted a 6-6 overall record, 5-3 in the CAA in 2024. The Phoenix closed the year on a four-game win streak.
Elon averaged 25.4 points per game, eighth-best in the 16-team CAA. The offense averaged 344.3 yards per game (11th in the CAA) – 129.7 rushing yards per game (11th) and 214.6 passing yards per game (7th).
One of the first tasks for Trisciani and Martin, finding a new starting quarterback for 2025. Two-year starter Matthew Downing (2,049 passing yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs in 2024) has exhausted his eligibility. Backup Jack Salopek, who played in seven games in 2024 (483 passing yards, 1 TD), posted on X on Friday night that he has decided to “step away from football.”
Redshirt freshman Tanner Staton and freshman Landen Clark were the other quarterbacks on the roster in 2024. Elon’s initial National Signing Day haul included 13 players, but not a quarterback.
Elon’s Jeff Yurk, Chandler Brayboy piling up multiple All-America honors
The Phoenix have put two players on a multitude of All-American teams, and four Elon players in all have earned some type of A-A distinction this post-season. Punter Jeff Yurk and wide receiver/kick-returner Chandler Brayboy have been honored by outlets like the American Football Coaches Association, FCS Football Central, the Associated Press, Stats Perform and Phil Steele.
Yurk from Southern Pines (Pinecrest) led the FCS in punting, averaging 47.9 yards per kick this past season. That number ranked third across all levels of NCAA football. He boomed 26 punts 50 or more yards. His longest covered 72 yards, a new career high.
Brayboy averaged 35.3 yards per kick return, second in FCS football. He returned two kicks for touchdowns in an Elon win at Albany. He averaged 151.4 all-purpose yards per game and finished among the CAA leaders in receiving TDs (8), receptions per game (5.4) and yards-per-reception (16.6).
Brayboy was named the 2024 FCS Special Teams Player of the Year by Phil Steele, along with being named first-team as both a kick-returner and all-purpose player. Brayboy’s other All-America honors include first-team All-American status by Stats Perform and the AFCA (all-purpose), and second-team by the Associated Press and FCS Football Central (kick-returner)
Yurk has earned first-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, AFCA, Stats Perform and FCS Football Central, and second-team from Phil Steele.
Defensive back Caleb Curtain was named first-team All-American by Phil Steele and second-team by Stats Perform. He also was voted the CAA’s Chuck Boone Leadership and Excellence Award winner.
Defensive lineman Kahmari Brown picked up a spot on the Stats Perform and Phil Steele Freshman All-American teams. Running back T.J. Thomas Jr. joined Brown on the Phil Steele Freshman All-American squad, taking third-team honors.
Brayboy and Downing have both been invited to the Hula Bowl All-Star Game in Orlando, an upcoming senior showcase game for NFL scouts.
2025 Elon Football Schedule Released.
The Phoenix announced their 12-game schedule for 2025 on Wednesday. Elon will play non-conference games against Duke, Davidson, Western Carolina and East Tennessee State, as well as an eight-game CAA slate..
Read more see the complete 2025 Elon football schedule HERE.
