Chestnut Hill, MA -- (Sports Network) - Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo introduced long-time assistant Frank Spaziani as the program's new head football coach on Tuesday.

Eight days ago, DeFilippo announced the dismissal of Jeff Jagodzinski, who interviewed for the head coaching position with the New York Jets despite the athletic director's intention to fire the coach if he met with personnel for an NFL team.

"This is a very exciting day for our football program," DeFilippo said. "Last week, when we began a search for a new head football coach, we wanted someone with outstanding coaching credentials and a proven record of leadership...And we wanted to find someone who really wanted to be at Boston College, more than anywhere else. We found the perfect person for that job right here on our staff."

Spaziani has been an assistant coach with the Eagles for 12 seasons and has served as defensive coordinator since 1999.

"I want to thank [school president] Father Leahy, Gene DeFilippo, the administration and everyone who supported me throughout this process," Spaziani said. "I am fully committed to making this football program a source of pride for this University and everyone who cares about it."

This past season, Spaziani's defense allowed just 268.1 yards per game, good for fifth best in the nation. Spaziani also served as interim head coach for the Eagles' 2006 Meineke Car Care Bowl win over Navy following the departure of Tom O'Brien.

The 61-year-old has also been an assistant at the collegiate level with Virginia, Navy and Penn State. A 1969 graduate of Penn State, he has also been an assistant coach in the Canadian Football League and a head coach at the high school level.