Monmouth Football Kicks Off New Era Under New Coach

Hawks have clear goals for spring practice as they transition to new leadership.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

For the first time since the program's inception, Monmouth football is preparing to start the season with a new head coach. After 33 years leading the Hawks, iconic head coach Kevin Callahan stepped down last winter, and offensive coordinator Jeff Gallo has taken over as the new head coach. While there's plenty of continuity with Gallo, who was the architect of the team's high-flying offenses, there's also no denying that it's the dawn of a new era for Monmouth football.

Why it matters

Monmouth is looking to build on last year's 9-3 campaign that saw them finish in the FCS top 25 rankings, but fell short of a playoff berth. The transition to a new head coach, combined with significant roster turnover, means the Hawks have clear goals for this year's spring practice session as they look to establish a new culture and identity under Gallo's leadership.

The details

Gallo has outlined three key goals for the spring: building the tightest, toughest team in the country; developing competitive depth; and raising the team's standard to a championship level. To that end, the Hawks have been incorporating unscripted competitive moments into practices, such as one-on-one tug-of-war battles, to help spark the 'iron sharpens iron' mentality. While Monmouth has a solid core of returning players, they'll need to replace key contributors on both sides of the ball, including their leading passer, rusher and receiver, as well as four offensive line starters.

  • Monmouth's spring practice session runs through April 26, culminating in the team's spring showcase.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner, with Monmouth quarterback Derek Robertson participating in local pro days with the Broncos, Giants, Jets and Eagles in mid-April.

The players

Jeff Gallo

The new head coach of the Monmouth football team, taking over for the retired Kevin Callahan after serving as the team's offensive coordinator.

Derek Robertson

Monmouth's starting quarterback last season who is now preparing for the NFL Draft, and has been providing valuable coaching and mentorship to the team's young quarterbacks during spring practice.

Frankie Weaver

The redshirt-sophomore quarterback who started the final five games of the 2025 season and finished with 1,355 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

Gavin Nelson

A returning starting wide receiver for Monmouth who had 30 catches for 514 yards and 6 touchdowns last season.

Nazir Treadwell

A local running back who starred at Keyport High School and is now joining the Monmouth program as a redshirt-sophomore transfer from Holy Cross, looking to fill a power back role similar to past Hawks standouts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's us versus us. One: we want to build the tightest, toughest team in the country. Two: We want to build our competitive depth. And then three: raise everyone up to a championship-level standard. Those are the fundamental goals of the spring.”

— Jeff Gallo, Head Coach

“Anytime you can get the experience to do that—go to an NFL facility and meet the coaches and talk some football. You gotta love it.”

— Derek Robertson, Quarterback

“They're looking at me to play a role like other Monmouth Hawks that have been here - like Sone, for example. Playing that power back role, it's something that's a little bit of an adjustment. But with all this natural size I got, I think I'm definitely up for it. Looking forward to coming in, executing the job. Whatever they ask me to do, I'm gonna do it.”

— Nazir Treadwell, Running Back

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.