Frank Leonard, a 24-year college coaching veteran, is making his NFL coaching debut as tight ends coach for the Rams. He was a special assignment scout for the New England Patriots from 2004-06. Leonard most recently was tight ends coach at Kansas State in 2007-08.

Frank joined the Patriots’ staff after 10 years at the University of Richmond, where he coached the offensive line (1994, 1997-2003), running backs (1995-96) and served as the school’s recruiting coordinator (2003).

In 1998, the Spiders posted a 9-3 record and earned their first Atlantic 10 title, a berth in the NCAA I-AA playoffs, and a No. 5 final national ranking. The Spiders earned a second Atlantic 10 title and a No. 6 national ranking in 2000 after posting a 10-3 record, rushing for a school-record 3,669 yards and reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA I-AA playoffs.

Leonard coached at the University of Connecticut (1990-93), Western Connecticut (1982-84, 1987-90), and at Central Connecticut State (1985-86).

Leonard is a graduate of Central Connecticut State, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and played football for three seasons. Leonard played free safety for the semi-pro New England Crusaders in 1981.

Frank is a native of Wethersfield, Conn. He and his wife Kathy have two daughters, Maria and Sarah.