University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Russ Huesman announced the hiring of offensive line coach Alex Atkins today.  Atkins joins the Mocs from Itawamba (Miss.) Community College where he spent the previous two seasons as offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator. 

"We were very impressed with Alex during the interview process," stated head coach Russ Huesman.  "He brings a lot of knowledge to the offensive line and we are excited to have him. 

Atkins is a former All-American offensive lineman at UT Martin.  He was a four-year starter and team captain (2003-06) before graduating in 2007 with a degree in History.  He began his coaching career at his alma mater where he worked with current UTC offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield.  There he led the Skyhawks' tight ends for two seasons (2007-08).    

Atkins' next stop was as a graduate assistant at Marshall.  He worked with both the tight ends and offensive line during the 2009 season while pursuing a Master's degree in Adult Education.  He replaces Geep Wade who took a similar position at Marshall after two seasons with the Mocs.