SLIPPERY ROCK — Let the transition begin.

Actually, it shouldn't be much of one.

Longtime Slippery Rock University assistant coach Shawn Lutz, 42, was named SRU's new head football coach Friday by university president Cheryl Norton and athletic director Paul Lueken.

Lutz replaces George Mihalik, who is retiring after 28 years as head coach. Mihalik's retirement becomes official Jan. 15 and Lutz will officially take over the following day.

Lutz has been on the Rock staff for the past 20 years, including the past four as associate head coach and past eight as defensive coordinator.

All of the current SRU assistant football coaches are expected to remain on board.

“We have a great staff here and I've learned from the best in Coach Mihalik,” Lutz said. “I started here as a graduate assistant in 1996. Now here I'll be in 2016 ... This is about loyalty for me.

“I coached the offensive line here, the defensive line, was defensive coordinator, associate head coach. When you stay loyal, well, George set this all up for me, really.”

Lutz admitted to having opportunities to climb the coaching ladder elsewhere. Gannon and Edinboro were among other Division II schools interested in him as a head coach over the years and he turned down chances to be a position coach at the Division I level.

“My family loves Slippery Rock and family is top priority. I learned that from Coach Mihalik,” Lutz said. “I developed my family values here.

“A lot of coaches in Division I are divorced or never get to see their kids do any activities growing up. That wasn't going to be me.”

Shortly after being named Rock head coach, Lutz headed out Friday night to watch his oldest son, Logan, play basketball for Grove City High School.

“When you've got the right guy in-house, there's no need to look anywhere else,” Mihalik said. “Shawn Lutz is the right man for this job.

“He relates well with the players, is very knowledgeable and he's a great recruiter. He brings the total package.”

Lutz has also served as recruiting coordinator at SRU.

SRU is coming off a 12-2 season, second straight PSAC championship and a berth in the Division II quarterfinals. Lutz's defense led the nation by scoring eight touchdowns, was second nationally against the run (71.7 yards per game), led the nation with 23 fumble recoveries and was third in the country with 24 interceptions.

Dom Razzano will be Lutz's defensive coordinator. Lutz will continue to coach the defensive line.

“Dom will be entering his third year with us on staff and he played linebacker here for me,” Lutz said. “He'll be a great fit as a coordinator.”

Lueken released a statement about the Lutz hire, saying “he has been a loyal and dedicated member of the Slippery Rock coaching staff for nearly 20 years and understands the culture and tradition of the program.

“His hire, along with retaining our entire 2015 staff, should show perspective student-athletes that we are committed to continuing The Rock football culture that has made our program one of the best in the nation.”

Lutz insisted SRU is not behind in recruiting, citing quarterback, offensive line and linebacking as its primary recruiting targets.

“People will still want to come to one of the top Division II programs out there,” he said. “Sure, there's pressure stepping into this job, but pressure comes with the job of coaching.

“Like I said before, you can't replace a legend. My goal is to maintain the consistency and high expectations that (Mihalik) built here for us.

“Our expectations have not changed. Our goal is to win a national championship,” he added.