ST. LOUIS – Former Saint Louis University men's soccer standout Brian Grazier has been named an assistant coach at SLU, as announced today by Billiken head coach Mike McGinty. Grazier replaces Jason O'Keefe, who is now an assistant at the University of North Carolina.

“Brian was a tough and intelligent player during his collegiate career, and that is what he is going to carry over to our program,” McGinty said. “I've talked to many people in the community about Brian, and they have all said what a great person he is and what a terrific coach he has become. I look forward to having him come in and work with our players.

“I would also like to thank Jason for his four years of service at SLU,” McGinty said. “He has been instrumental in putting our team together and we wish him nothing but the best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”

Grazier has spent the past four years at Rutgers as an assistant coach on former Billiken head coach Dan Donigan's staff. Grazier, who assisted in all facets of the program, helped the Scarlet Knights reach the third round of the NCAA Tournament in 2011.

An Edwardsville, Ill., native, Grazier played for the Billikens from 2003 to 2007. Following his graduation, he played professionally for one season with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Grazier played in more than 70 matches for the Billikens and helped SLU to three NCAA Tournament appearances during his career.

Prior to his time at SLU, Grazier was a member of the U.S. Under-17 National Team and completed his residency at the Edison Academic Center in Bradenton, Fla.