ITHACA, N.Y. – The Cornell football program has named Roy Istvan the program's new offensive coordinator it was announced today by David Archer '05, the Roger J. Weiss '61 Head Coach of Football. Istvan comes to Ithaca after six seasons at Rhode Island, including the last three as the program's offensive coordinator.

"We are excited for Coach Istvan to join the Cornell football program," Archer said. "He brings a wealth of football knowledge and experience with him, particularly in developing offensive linemen. We will use his diverse offensive background as we work together to develop the Cornell offense, based on the style of play that I envision for this program."

Istvan has extensive experience at Rhode Island, where he was the offensive line coach all six seasons in Kingston, and previously coached at Buffalo (2001-05) as the running game and offensive coordinator, at Milford Academy (2006-07 as offensive coordinator) and at his alma mater, Southern Connecticut State (1990-2001).

His experiences at the BCS, FCS and Division II levels, as well as prep school and even one year at an athlete management firm (Sportstars INC. in 2007) have helped him work with players at nearly every stage of their development. Among the players Istvan has worked with during his coaching career are 2013 NFL rushing leader LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles), Tony Ugoh (Indianapolis Colts) and Jason Foster (Oakland Raiders), as well as former New England Patriots offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Joe Andruzzi.

At Rhode Island, his teams showed marked improvements in sacks allowed, total yards, passing yards, rushing yards and scoring offense over the season prior to him taking over, and players at every position earned all-conference honors. In his final three seasons at URI, five offensive linemen were named to all-CAA teams.

While coaching at Buffalo, Istvan's teams set program records for most rushing touchdowns and fewest sacks allowed since the program moved to Division I. During his 11 seasons at Southern Connecticut State, the Owls set 53 school offensive records and posted a 67-45 record.

A 1990 graduate of SCSU, Istvan and his wife, Kristin, have three children - Jaylin and twins Kambria and Zachariah.