After months of searching, Millersville University has decided on the next leader of its football program.

The school announced that Greg Colby will become the 20th coach in the program's 119-year history.

Colby takes over for Joe Trainer, who resigned in December to become defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at the University of Rhode Island.

A 34-year coaching veteran, Colby's last post was at Northwestern University in the Big Ten, where he spent six seasons as defensive coordinator for the Wildcats.

"Hiring Greg Colby is the first step in moving our football team forward," Dr. Aminta Hawkins Breaux, vice president of student affairs at MU, said in a press release.

"We realize the very competitive nature of the Pennsylvania Football Conference, and the needed direction of our football program.

"The university believes that Greg has the background and skills to take us to the next level on the field, and to provide the leadership that will impact the success of the overall program."

"I'm very pleased that Coach Colby is joining us," MU athletic director Peg Kauffman said in the release.

"His record demonstrates that he has the ability to build championship-caliber football programs at the collegiate level, while maintaining high personal and academic standards for his players. 

"During his tenure at each of the universities where he has worked, the overall team GPA of the football team increased significantly.

"In addition, while at Northwestern he helped the university win the AFCA award for the top graduation rate in the country four times.

"We are confident he will be successful at Millersville University in developing a competitive team that is successful both on and off the field."

Colby had been with Northwestern since 2002. Prior to that he was defensive coordinator at Kent State University and was an assistant football coach at Michigan State University and the University of Illinois.   

"I'm excited to continue the rich tradition of football at Millersville University," Colby said in the release. 

"My vision for the football program is to consistently compete within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division.

"And I believe my ability to recruit and promote the program will lead to success both on and off the field."