JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Carson-Newman football coach Ken Sparks announced the addition of Aaron Hutsell to the Eagles' coaching staff on Tuesday.

Hutsell, who spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach at Murray State, will coach wide receivers at Mossy Creek.

"I would like to thank coach Sparks, (C-N Athletic Director David) Barger and the entire Carson-Newman community for this opportunity," Hutsell said. "Carson-Newman is a tremendous academic institution that also has a rich tradition in athletics. I am honored to be joining a great staff and am looking forward to preparing for the upcoming season."

Hutsell coached receivers for Murray State last season after overseeing the team's secondary the previous two years and cornerbacks in 2006. He was also recruiting coordinator for the Racers last season and was in charge of Murray State's punt return team, which finished 2009 ranked fourth in the Football Championship Subdivision with an average of 17.9 yards per return.

In 2009, Hutsell coached a talented group of Murray State receivers, including Derrick Townsel, who earned second team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors with a stellar senior campaign.

Under Hutsell's guidance in 2008, the Racers' secondary recorded nine interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, and 28 pass deflections, as Murray State finished the year ranked third in the conference in pass defense.

Murray State's secondary had the second-best pass defense in the OVC in 2007 as it allowed just 185.5 yards per game through the air. Five Racer secondary members also provided plenty of run support as they were in the top 10 on the team in tackles. Cornerback Derrick Parrot earned second team All-OVC honors under the tutelage of Hutsell after recording 62 tackles and a team-high two interceptions.

Hutsell joined the Murray State staff after serving as a graduate assistant for two seasons at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., where he earned his master's degree in secondary education.

While at Springfield College, Hutsell was involved in all areas of the program and assisted with wide receivers and special teams. Springfield reached a national ranking as high as No. 5 in his first season in 2004.

Hutsell, who earned a bachelor's degree in history from Western Maryland College in 2003, was a three-year starter and four-year letter winner as a tight end for the Green Terror from 1999-2002. He helped lead Western Maryland to four Centennial Conference championships and three appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Hutsell is a graduate of Liberty High School, where he was a standout in football and baseball.

He joins an Eagles program that went 11-3 in 2009. C-N won its 21st South Atlantic Conference title and advanced to the Division II national semifinals.