Former University of Miami and NFL offensive lineman Joel Rodriguez begins his first year as an assistant coach at Bryant University in 2008.  Rodriguez joined coach Marty Fine's staff in the spring of 2008 and will coach the Bulldogs' offensive line.

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.