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SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I.(AP) The University of Rhode Island promoted defensive coordinator Joe Trainer to be its next football coach on Friday.

The 39-year-old Trainer, a veteran assistant, will replace Darren Rizzi, who stepped down last week to take an assistant coaching position with the Miami Dolphins.

Trainer was Rhode Island's associate head coach and defensive coordinator last year.

He was previously an assistant coach at Villanova, Bowling Green, Frostburg State, New Haven and Temple.

Trainer was also the head coach at Millersville University from 2005 to 2007.

The Rams were 3-9 in Rizzi's single season leading the team.

They open the 2009 season on Sept. 5 against Fordham.