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Having stepped into the University of Delaware football program for the first time Friday, new head football coach Dave Brock immediately turned his challenge into a group effort.

"Our football team will carry the motto, which I've already told 'em: 'Together we will,'" Brock said.

Brock, the Rutgers offensive coordinator this past season, was named the Blue Hens' new leader during an on-campus news conference. It is the 45-year-old's first time as a collegiate head coach.

He replaces K.C. Keeler, who was fired on Jan. 7 following his 11th season with the Blue Hens.

"Coach Keeler did a great job. I'm confident that we have the building blocks in place to win in 2013, and forward," Brock said.

Unlike Keeler and his predecessor, legendary Delaware coach Tubby Raymond (1966-2001), Brock is not a former Blue Hens player or assistant coach. He coached against the Blue Hens as a member of their former conference rival, Hofstra, in 1995 and from 1997-2001.

The native of Moorestown, N.J., has spent 11 years on the FBS level, including stints at Temple, North Carolina, Kansas State and Boston College before his one season at Rutgers last year, when the Scarlet Knights finished 9-4.

Brock, who played collegiately at Ferrum (Va.) College and graduated from Salisbury (Md.), was on the Boston College staff from 2009-11 while new Delaware athletic director Eric Ziady was an assistant athletic director.

Keeler compiled an 88-52 record at Delaware, including 5-6 in his final season. He led the Blue Hens to the 2003 FCS (then NCAA Division I-AA) national title as well as appearances in the 2007 and 2010 national championship games.