Former University of Miami and NFL offensive lineman Joel Rodriguez enters his fourth year as an assistant coach at Bryant in 2011, coaching the Bulldogs' offensive line. 

Coach Rodriguez has led a stalwart group of offensive linemen during his previous three seasons.  In 2010, the Bulldogs allowed just 14 sacks in eight conference games, ranking in the top-half of the league in that category.

In 2009, with only two seniors on the offensive line, the Bulldogs averaged 302.2 yards of total offense per game and scored 23 touchdowns including 14 passing touchdowns.  Senior running back Jerell Smith rushed for 1,198 yards including a 239-yard performance in a win over Saint Francis. 

In his first year, the Bulldogs enjoyed a tremendously successful first year competing at the Division I level, posting a 7-4 record overall, thanks in part to a strong running game.  The Bulldogs finished the year ranked 28th nationally with 178.3 yards rushing per game and averaged 337 yards of total offense. 

A standout offensive lineman with the Hurricanes from 2001-04, Rodriguez garnered Verizon Academic All-District honors during his career and was named to three Big East All-Academic teams and one ACC All-Academic squad.  

After serving as a backup during his first two years, Rodriguez was the starting center and anchor on the offensive line as a junior and senior. Rodriguez played in 11 games as a junior with 10 starts before suffering a season-ending injury against Rutgers.  He was named offensive MVP by the Miami coaching staff after an outstanding game in the team's win over in-state rival Florida in 2003.

Rodriguez is a graduate of Monsignor Pace High School where he was the top-ranked center and fifth-best offensive lineman by Florida Prep Football.

Born June 27, 1982 in Miami, Florida, Rodriguez signed a free-agent contract with the NFL's Tennessee Titans and was a member of the practice squad in 2005 before allocated to the NFL Europe Berlin Thunder in 2006.

In 2007, Rodriguez was a graduate assistant coach at Mississippi before coming to Bryant University this spring.