ANNVILLE, Pa. - Lebanon Valley College defensive coordinator Mike Donghia has stepped aside due to health reasons, head coach Jim Monos has announced.

Secondary coach Corey Wenger will step in as interim defensive coordinator for 2010, while continuing to handle his duties with the defensive backs.

"Mike Donghia is one of the main reasons for the success of our football program in the last six years," Monos said. "His passion, love of the game, and his ability to teach the game make him special. He will be missed by the team and the coaching staff. We wish him and his wife Amy the very best!"

Donghia had spent six seasons on Monos' staff, including two years as defensive coordinator after coaching running backs. In LVC's successful 2009 campaign, Donghia ran one of the league's best defenses, which allowed only 98 yards per game on the ground while leading the league in sacks and causing 25 turnovers. In 2008, Donghia coached the MAC's top-rated defensive unit, which included Brian Cottone '09, who became the program's first-ever MAC Defensive Player of the Year.

While mentoring LVC's running backs, Donghia helped several standouts develop into stars, including Charlie Parker, who broke LVC's single-season rushing record in 2007 with 1,105 yards.