Indiana University of Pennsylvania Men's Football

Paul Tortorella enters his tenth season at the helm of the nationally-ranked Crimson Hawks in 2026 and has put together the best start by any head coach in program history.  The 2022 PSAC West Coach of the Year, Tortorella helped the Crimson Hawks to a sterling 10-2 record that included a PSAC Championship and bye in the opening round of the 2022 NCAA DII Football Playoffs.  Tortorella reached 30 wins faster than any other coach in IUP history, hitting the mark in just 35 games during the 2019 season. College Football Hall of Famer and legendary IUP head coach Frank Cignetti (1985-2005) took 38 games to reach his first 30 victories back in the mid '80s.  Through his first five seasons, Tortorella carries a 48-11 (.814) overall record with three NCAA playoff berths; regional, two PSAC and two division titles; and a 10-5 record against ranked opponents. The .814 win percentage is the fifth-best mark of any Division II team - and best of any PSAC program - during that time. It also gives Tortorella the third-best win percentage among active Division II coaches with four or more years of experience.  He's earned Division II, Super Region One, and two PSAC West Coach of the Year honors.  Tortorella has also had the Crimson Hawks ranked in the top-25 in 50 of the possible 64 national polls during his five years, including a three-week run at No. 1 in the media poll during the 2017 season.  Tortorella has overseen the development of arguably the most talented team not only in the PSAC, but one of the best in the country. Tortorella has helped 15 players combine for 26 All-American nods, including center Jeff Arnold and linebacker Damon Lloyd, both two-time All-Americans who finished their careers in 2019. In addition, IUP players have combined for 28 all-region and 84 All-PSAC West awards during that time. As head coach, Tortorella has helped his team lead the division in all-conference selections four times, including a program-record 17 in 2021. In Tortorella's ninth season with the IUP football program, he led IUP back into the NCAA Playoffs with help of newly hired offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. and graduate transfer quarterback Matthew Rueve. IUP also won the PSAC Western division with a victory over Clarion and a pivotal win earlier in the season in the Coal Bowl against California (PA).  The Crimson Hawks were extremely dominant on both sides of the ball. Concluding the 2024-25 season with the PSAC's best passing offense, averaging 317.9 yards in the air per game. Matthew Rueve engraved his name into program history with his 31 passing touchdowns. Defensively, IUP's run defense was the best unit in the PSAC, only allowing 97.4 yards on the ground per game. IUP was decorated with awards. 12 players were named to All-PSAC West selections. Outside of conference selections, three Crimson Hawks were named D2CCA Super Region One All-Regions (Devin Whitlock, Connor Shamany, and Kalen Frazier). Frazier was also named the PSAC Defensive Athlete of the Year, second-team All-American and D2Football.com Elite 100. Rueve was nominated for the Harlon Hill Award, given annually to the nation's top Division II football player.     IUP began the 2022 season with seven consecutive victories, notching a 10-2 mark overall. The Hawks won the PSAC Western division with key victories over rival Slippery Rock and Cal U throughout the season, advancing to the "State Game".  The Crimson Hawks held off Shepherd for a 24-21 victory at a rainy Miller Stadium on November 12, 2022. The Crimson Hawks recorded two shutout victories in 2022, eventually earning the top seed and a bye in the 2022 NCAA DII Super Region One Playoffs.  IUP opened its playoff run with a 19-13 home victory against Ashland on November 26, 2022 at Miller Stadium.    In 2019, he led the Crimson Hawks to a 10-2 record and the program's 19th NCAA postseason berth. Those two losses came by a combined seven points as the Crimson Hawks had a point differential of +26.9 on the year, one of the best marks in Division II.  Tortorella refocused the offense in 2019 to be more of a passing attack behind transfer quarterback Quinton Maxwell. Both Maxwell and the offense responded and had some of the best years in program history. Maxwell set IUP season records with 3,129 passing yards and 38 total touchdowns, with his 34 passing touchdowns the second-most. The offense set school records for passing yards, passing yards per game, and passing touchdowns, while the 476.7 total yards per game is the second-highest mark in the program's history.  In his debut 2017 season he guided the Crimson Hawks to a 13-1 record, a Western Division regular season title, the PSAC championship, and the program's seventh NCAA Division II national semifinalist berth. He was an obvious choice for PSAC West Coach of the Year, and also earned Super Region One and Division II Coach of the Year honors.  His 13 wins to start his career was a first for an IUP football coach and tied for the longest win streak in program history. The Crimson Hawks spent all year in the top-10, including a three-week run as the No. 1 team in the media top-25. The Crimson Hawks were the top-ranked team in each of the NCAA's regional rankings (which determine playoff berths and seeding), and went into the national semifinal round as the top-ranked team Tortorella saw seven players earn All-American honors while the team set a record with 18 total all-conference honorees (16 first-or-second teamers, two special awards).  The Crimson Hawks set or tied single season program records in total offense (6,375 yards), completion percentage (.642), first downs (335), first downs per game (23.9), wins and consecutive wins (13). Junior quarterback Lenny Williams also set an IUP record with 3,195 yards of total offense.    A longtime IUP assistant coach, Paul Tortorella stepped into the head coaching role in 2017 and led IUP to one of the best seasons in program history.  Leading a balanced offensive powerhouse and one of the best defenses in Division II, Tortorella and the Crimson Hawks went 13-1, won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship, and advanced to the NCAA Division II semifinals for the first time since 1999.  IUP won the outright PSAC West regular season title as the only undefeated team in the division and defeated West Chester 24-7 on the road for the conference title. The Crimson Hawks earned the top seed in Super Region One in the NCAA playoffs, defeated West Chester (44-10) and Assumption (27-22) to win the region, and entered the national semifinals against West Florida as the top overall seed. The 13 consecutive wins and 13-1 overall mark both tied IUP records. The Crimson Hawks finished the year ranked third in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Top 25, the highest season-ending ranking for IUP in in the current set up of the poll. They also reached the No. 1 ranking in the D2Football.com weekly poll in the final weeks heading into the postseason. The Crimson Hawks went 4-0 against ranked teams, defeating (RV/18) Ashland 26-23, (16/16) California 26-10, (9/13) Slippery Rock 34-17, and (15/15) Assumption 27-22.   Tortorella was named the Division II co-Coach and Super Region One Coach of the Year by the Don Hansen Football Gazette. He also earned PSAC West Coach of the Year and IUP Men's Coach of the Year honors.  Originally given the interim tag heading into the season, Tortorella was officially named IUP's head coach on November 14, 2017, just a few days after winning the PSAC championship.  Tortorella saw his first team finish in the top 25 of Division II in nine different statistical categories, including first downs (3rd, 335); rushing offense (9th, 256.1); rushing defense (9th, 89.9); defensive pass efficiency (10th, 97.23); scoring defense (13th, 15.7); offensive pass efficiency (15th, 158.08); 3rd down conversion pct. (15th, .473); total defense (18th, 287.5); and total offense (25th, 455.4).  Several individuals also saw success in Tortorella's first season, as IUP set a program record for All-Americans with seven players combining for 12 AA nods. Max Redfield was a 1st team selection by the AFCA and D2Football.com, and honorable mention by Don Hansen Football Gazette. JR Stevens was a 1st team AP All-America and Jerron Searles was a second team selection by the AP and D2CCA.  Redfield was also a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award, QB Lenny Williams, Jr. was a nominee for the Harlon Hill Award, and DT Jemal Averette was nominated for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year award.  IUP also set a program record with 18 total PSAC selections, including Justice Evans as the Freshman of the Year and Tortorella's Coach of the Year honor.    Tortorella was named the 12th head coach of the IUP football program on January 3.    Tortorella brings years of experience and knowledge to his new position, spending the last 22 seasons as IUP’s defensive coordinator. He has a background as IUP’s safeties coach – he also served as the associate head coach from 2011-16 – but will look to direct the team as a whole and will move away from calling defenses as he transitions to head coach.   His first major task at the helm of the program came just less than a month after taking over, as he put the finishing touches on a 19-member recruiting class. His first signing class was an even mixture of offensive and defensive players, with 16 hailing from the state of Pennsylvania.   On March 28, Tortorella announced his completed coaching staff. Returning assistants moving into new roles include: Jim Smith as the new defensive coordinator, while also remaining at linebackers; Johnny Franco moving from cornerbacks to safeties; and John Pettina takes over coaching the “Star” position after helping out Tortorella with the safeties.   New assistant hires were Tate Gregory as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach; Christian Bryan as the wide receivers coach; and Jameson Zacharias as the cornerbacks coach. Gregory came from Charleston, while Bryan was at Carnegie Mellon and Zacharias coached at Central Michigan.   Tortorella’s first semester as the IUP head coach wrapped up with spring practice in March and April. The Crimson Hawks held a scrimmage at the mid-way point and a spring game on April 21.   INDIANA GAZETTE (APRIL 22, 2017) | Crimson Hawks close out spring with some fun He also was able to see two-time All-American Ethan Cooper sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent at the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft in April. Cooper had multiple on-campus visits from teams, including the defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texas and Jacksonville Jaguars, among others. Paul Tortorella | Head Coaching Record Year W L Win % Notes 2017 13 1 .929 PSAC West Champs; PSAC Champions; NCAA DII Playoffs; Super Region One Champions; NCAA DII National Semifinalists 2018 8 3 .727 2019  10 2 .833 NCAA DII Playoffs 2020 - - - No season (COVID-19)  2021 7 3 .700 2022 10 2 .833 PSAC West Champs; PSAC Champions; NCAA DII Playoffs; Super Region One Championship Game  2023 6 5 .545 2024 7 3 .700 2025       7 4 .636 PSAC West Champs; NCAA DII Playoffs CAREER 68 23 .747 PSAC West Champs (2017, 2022, 2025); PSAC Championships (2017, 2022); NCAA Playoffs (2017, 2019, 2022, 2025); Super Region One Champions (2017); NCAA DII National Semifinalists (2017)  Since coming to IUP, Tortorella has directed a defense that has consistently ranked among the best in the nation. His extensive knowledge of schematics and personnel has made him one of the most respected coaches in the area.   In 2016, Tortorella guided an opportunistic defensive unit that ranked third in Division II with 24 interceptions and 35 caused turnovers. IUP’s six total defensive touchdowns was tied for sixth in the country, while its .674 defensive red zone percentage was 20th.   For six straight games the Crimson Hawks limited opponents to 20 points or less, with high-scoring rival Slippery Rock finishing with just 19 in IUP’s blowout mid-October victory. First round playoff opponent Fairmont State, which had a 10-1 record and averaged 30.0 points in the regular season, was limited to just 13 points by Tortorella’s crew.   INDIANA GAZETTE (SEPT. 4, 2014) | Tortorella keeping ahead of the times In 2015, the Crimson Hawks finished the year ranked in the top 12 in six defensive categories – scoring, interceptions, turnovers forced, red zone, third down percentage, and touchdowns – finishing with a 9-3 overall record.   The Crimson Hawks advanced to the postseason in each of the last two seasons, combining for a 19-5 overall record.   2012 was one of Tortorella’s best seasons, as he was named the NCAA Division II Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop. Under Tortorella’s guidance, IUP led the nation in total and scoring defense, while also ranking third in rushing defense, during a season in which the Crimson Hawks won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship, and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals with a 12-2 record. FOOTBALLSCOOP (DEC. 17, 2012) | Tortorella named Division II Coordinator of the Year   The Crimson Hawks gave up just 257.9 yards and 12.5 points per game, recording three shutouts and holding opponents to 10 points or fewer four additional times. IUP gave up an average of 80.1 rushing yards per outing, holding opponents to less than 100 yards nine times during the season. Offenses managed just 2.6 yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns in 439 carries.   The passing defense was also tough to crack, as IUP finished 17th in the nation by giving up 177.8 yards per game and 14th with a defensive pass efficiency of 101.85. Nine times quarterbacks failed to complete 50.0 percent of their passes against the Crimson Hawks, including each of the last four games. IUP racked up 20 interceptions and gave up just 14 touchdown passes.   IUP also ranked first in opponents first downs (14.4 per game); second in turnover margin (+1.50 per game); 12th in turnovers (35); tied for 27th in red zone efficiency (68 percent – 21 scores in 31 trips); and 32nd in third down defense (33.9 percent – 64-for-189).   Since Tortorella’s first season with the program in 1995, 15 IUP defensive players have earned All-American honors, while 107 have been named to All-PSAC West teams. Four players have been named PSAC Defensive Player of the Year under Tortorella, with two freshmen earning conference rookie of the year accolades.   IUP compiled a record of 177-69 (.720) during Tortorella’s 22 seasons leading the defense, as the program won nine outright or shared PSAC West regular season titles and earned 10 NCAA playoff berths.   Tortorella got his coaching start on the prep level in 1985, serving as linebackers coach at Mount Lebanon High School. He then began a nine-year stint as an assistant coach at a pair of Division I universities, including six at Maryland and three at Akron.   He joined the Maryland staff as a graduate assistant working with linebackers and the secondary from 1986-87 followed by one year as a volunteer assistant secondary coach. In 1989, he was hired on a full-time basis as special team’s coordinator and tight ends coach, and he added halfbacks to his list of responsibilities in 1990.   In 1992, Tortorella departed Maryland for Akron, where he coached defensive backs through the 1994 season before joining the IUP staff.   During his career, Tortorella has coached two players who went on to successful NFL careers. Defensive back Victor Green (Akron) played with the New York Jets from 1993-2001, the New England Patriots in 2002 and the New Orleans Saints in 2003 while tight end Frank Wycheck (Maryland) retired after the 2003 season following an 11-year pro career which saw him catch 505 passes.   Three IUP cornerbacks have earned All-America recognition during Tortorella’s time at IUP, including Barry Threats (1997 and 1998), Joey Flora (2001) and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (2008 and 2009).   Tortorella is a 1985 graduate of Slippery Rock with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. He and his wife, Michele, are the parents of Luke, Annalise, Zachary and Michael. Updated January 23, 2026

Jim Smith enters his 27th season at IUP in 2026. This is Smith’s tenth season as the defensive coordinator, adding on to his duties as the linebackers coach and academic coordinator.     During his 27 seasons in Indiana, Smith has made himself into the most versatile coach on the staff, spending time on both sides of the ball and has coordinated the offense, defense and special teams.   From his coaching positions on offense, defensive and special teams, he’s helped IUP to a 215-74 (.743) overall record with 12 NCAA Division II playoff appearances, 11 PSAC West regular season titles, and three PSAC “State Game” championships.   Smith has coached 11 All-Americans, 24 all-region selections, and 73 combined All-PSAC West performers, which includes a defensive player of the year, offensive player of the year, and two defensive freshmen of the year.   IUP boasts arguably the best collection of linebackers during Smith’s tenure. He’s helped 25 total linebackers earn All-PSAC West honors in his 18 seasons coaching that position, including nine seasons of multiple selections.   Six different linebackers have earned multiple all-league honors, including Kris Griffin (2002, 2004), Carl Fleming (2012-13), Dorian Lane (2013, 2015), Kevin Clarke (2014-16), Damon Lloyd (2017-19) and Nick Amendola (2017-19).   Three of those linebackers were named All-Americans: Fleming in 2012, Clarke in 2016, Lloyd in 2017 and 2019, and Garrett Cox in 2024.   IUP's defensive unit was a force to be reckoned with in 2025, playing a pivotal role in IUP's return to the NCAA Division II Playoffs and an appearance in the PSAC Championship Smith assistance led to statistical success for the football program. The Crimson Hawks defense soared at the top of several key defensive statistics, IUP ranked second in the PSAC in scoring defense (21.0), seventh nationally in total yards allowed (280.3), and tenth nationally in total first downs allowed (173). IUP's rushing defense was another major factor of the Crimson Hawks return to the DII Playoffs. IUP's defense ranked first in the PSAC in rushing yards allowed (97.4), IUP limited opposing ball-carriers to an average of 2.9 yards-per-carry.  Two linebackers were nominated for PSAC Defensive First Team Selections. Nathan Rosario-Santos and Tai'Don Strickland both had career years under the leadership of Smith's defensive scheming. Both players combined for 164 tackles, 17 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks.       The IUP defense was stout once again in 2022, helping the program capture the PSAC Championship with a win against Shepherd.  The Crimson Hawks ranked fifth in the PSAC in scoring defense (19.8), 28th nationally in total defense (291.2), 25th nationally in red zone defense (.697) and 18th nationally in interceptions (15).    2019 marked another successful year for the defense under Smith's watch. The Crimson Hawks finished the year ranked 23rd in Division II in total defense, giving up just over 300 yards per game. IUP posted two shutouts and didn't allow a touchdown in two other games en route to a 10-2 record and the program's 19th NCAA playoff berth.  Smith helped IUP lead the PSAC and rank in the top-25 in the nation in four categories, including scoring defense (17.3, 14th), pass efficiency defense (105.9, 18th), sacks (35, 22nd) and total defense (302.6, 23rd). Smith's defense boasted three All-Americans in senior linebacker Damon Lloyd, senior defensive end Dondrea Tillman, and junior corner Nazir Streater. Lloyd had one of the best seasons in IUP history, as he was named a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award, given annually to the best defensive player in small college football. Lloyd also earned PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year honors, was a unanimous first team All-Super Region One selection, and finished seventh in Division II with a career-high 122 total tackles. Lloyd wrapped up his career sixth in IUP history with 384 tackles and as a two-time All-American.    Smith helped IUP to one of the best seasons in program history in 2017 in his first year as the defensive coordinator. The Crimson Hawks went 13-1, won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship, and advanced to the NCAA Division II semifinals for the first time since 1999.    IUP won the outright PSAC West regular season title as the only undefeated team in the division and defeated West Chester 24-7 on the road for the conference title. The Crimson Hawks earned the top seed in Super Region One in the NCAA playoffs, defeated West Chester (44-10) and Assumption (27-22) to win the region, and entered the national semifinals against West Florida as the top overall seed. The 13 consecutive wins and 13-1 overall mark both tied IUP records. The Crimson Hawks finished the year ranked third in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Top 25, the highest season-ending ranking for IUP in in the current set up of the poll. They also reached the No. 1 ranking in the D2Football.com weekly poll in the final weeks heading into the postseason. The Crimson Hawks went 4-0 against ranked teams, defeating (RV/18) Ashland 26-23, (16/16) California 26-10, (9/13) Slippery Rock 34-17, and (15/15) Assumption 27-22.   Smith’s defense ranked in the top 25 of seven categories, including interceptions (23, 4th), turnovers forced (31, 5th), rushing defense (89.9, 9th), pass efficiency defense (97.23, 10th), scoring defense (15.7, 13th), defensive touchdowns (4, 15th) and total defense (287.5, 18th).     Four of his defensive players earned All-American honors, including safety Max Redfield (AFCA, Hansen Gazette, D2Football), corner JR Stevens (AP, Hansen Gazette), defensive tackle Jemal Averette (Hansen Gazette) and linebacker Damon Lloyd (Hansen Gazette).   Those four players also helped make up the eight total defenders who earned All-PSAC West honors in 2017. Redfield was a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award and Averette was nominated for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year award.      Smith coached linebackers and was the special teams coordinator for the Crimson Hawks in 2012 when they won the PSAC title and advanced to the regional championship game.     Working under current head coach and then-defensive coordinator Paul Tortorella, Smith helped linebackers Alexander Berdahl and Carl Fleming earn All-PSAC West honors as the two combined for 191 tackles, including 21.5 TFLs and 8.0 sacks, and five interceptions.   The Crimson Hawks gave up just 257.9 yards and 12.5 points per game, recording three shutouts and holding opponents to 10 points or fewer four additional times. IUP gave up an average of 80.1 rushing yards per outing, holding opponents to less than 100 yards nine times during the season. Offenses managed just 2.6 yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns in 439 carries.     Smith was the passing game coordinator and coached quarterbacks from 2006-10 under head coach Lou Tepper. He developed a passing attack that put up some of the best numbers in recent IUP history.   Smith tutored Andrew Krewatch, who ended his time at IUP first in program history with 638 completions and second with 8,220 yards and 68 passing touchdowns. Krewatch still owns IUP’s single season record with 3,100 passing yards in 2007.   Under Smith’s direction, IUP averaged 38.5 points per game in 2007 and 2008, the second highest totals in program history and the most since 1990.    In his first year as the offensive coordinator in 2006, running back Chris Morgan earned PSAC West Player of the Year honors after rushing for 1,318 yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged 131.8 yards per game and 6.9 yards per carry.     Smith’s first year on the IUP staff came in 1998 and after a year off, returned to the sideline in 2000 as the wide receivers coach. He coached the running backs and aided in the team’s passing game in 2001 before moving over to be the linebackers coach from 2002-05.   Smith was a three-year letterman (1994-96) at wide receiver for IUP. He played in 18 games and caught 20 passes for 229 yards. He earned his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from IUP in 1998. Smith and his wife, Lori, are the parents of Trevor and Myla. Updated February 18, 2026

Demetrius Wilson enters his fifth season at IUP as the defensive line coach in 2026.    Wilson's most recent season with the IUP football program saw a dominant showing. IUP ranked first in the PSAC and seventh in NCAA DII in rushing defense (97.4). IUP's defensive line also had a pair of First Team All-PSAC West selections in Logan Goodwin and Logan Danielson. Randy Okungu was named to second-team All-PSAC West.    In his first season with the program, IUP ranked fourth in the PSAC and 16th in NCAA DII in rushing defense (87.2). IUP had a pair of all-conference selections along the defensive line in Gregory Moore II and Raunya Mitchell.    Last Updated - January 23, 2026 

Declann Peer is entering his seventh season with the IUP Football program in 2026. In his sixth season with IUP as a defensive coach, IUP only let up 280.3 yards and was ranked seventh in Division II.  

Tyler Bradley enters his third season with the Crimson Hawks in 2026.  With his second season with the IUP football program in 2025, Tyler Bradley helped lead IUP to a top passing offense in both the PSAC and on the national level.  IUP finished the season with a passing offense averaging 317.9 yards per game, which ranked first in the PSAC and sixth throughout Division II.  IUP had one of the top receiving duos in Division II with Devin Whitlock and Maurice Massey. Both receivers eclipsed 800+ receiving yards and combined for 14 touchdowns, averaging a combined 157.91 receiving yards per game. Freshman receiver Jeremiah Coleman carved himself an important role in IUP's top passing offense, finding the end zone eight times and finished the season with 464 receiving yards.  IUP's Whitlock and Massey were both named All-PSAC West First Team. 

Mike Campolo enters his 25th season on the staff with the IUP football program in 2026. This will be Campolo's 22nd year as the offensive line coach and has also served as the run game coordinator since 2006 (20 years).  Campolo is a highly regarded and respected coach who has demonstrated success not only by team accomplishments, but by the long list of individual achievements by his players since joining the staff in the early 2000s.  Since 2002 he's helped IUP to nine PSAC West regular season outright or shared titles, three PSAC "State Game" Championships, and nine berths in the NCAA Division II playoffs.  Campolo has coached 11 offensive linemen who have earned All-American honors, including 10 since 2012. They include Darrell Davis and John Robinson in 2022, Josh Dauberman in 2021, Jeff Arnold in 2018 and 2019, Jerron Searles and Colin McAllister in 2017, Ethan Cooper in 2016, Byron Dovales in 2013, Dan Matha and Nick Carnicella in 2012, and Jason Capizzi in 2006. In addition, he's helped players earn a combined 22 all-region and 49 All-PSAC West selections, including 29 first team all-league honorees. Four different times since 2012 he's boasted four All-PSAC offensive linemen, including his latest in 2021. Those groups up front have paved the way for some of the most dominant ground games in Division II. In 2012 the Crimson Hawks broke a program record with 3,630 rushing yards, in 2015 the team's 293.6 rushing yards per game set a school record and ranked fifth in the country, and in 2016 IUP rushed for 48 touchdowns in 12 games, ranking third in Division II.  With Campolo on staff, IUP rushers have combined for 13 1,000-yard seasons, and six of the top 10 rushers in program history have run behind Campolo-coached offensive lines.    IUP ranked 16th nationally in rushing offense in 2022 (161.7) and allowed just five sacks all season, good for third in the nation.  Campolo has been a huge part of IUP's offensive resurgence over the last decade - the Crimson Hawks have seen record-breaking years in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017 in regards to overall offense and rushing production.  In 2012 IUP rushed for a program record 3,630 yards en route to a 12-2 overall record, PSAC title and regional championship game appearance. Campolo helped four offensive linemen earn All-PSAC West honors, including three first teamers who were also named to All-Super Region One teams. Tackle Dan Matha and guard Nick Carnicella were All-American selections. The success continued with another NCAA playoff berth in 2015 after the move from a pro-style to modern spread offense. Campolo and his linemen adapted successfully, with Ethan Cooper and Jorge Vicioso earn earning all-region honors as they helped the Crimson Hawks break a program record by averaging 293.6 rushing yards per game.  IUP broke seven more offensive team records during the 2016 and 2017 playoff seasons, including rushing touchdowns (48), total offense average (489.6), total points (555), scoring average (46.2), and total touchdowns (77) in 2016, and total offense (6375) and first downs (335) in 2017.  Between 2016-18, offensive linemen earned a combined four All-American nods, seven all-region picks and 11 All-PSAC West selections.    Ethan Cooper has been the most well-known former offensive lineman to play for Campolo. Cooper was a three-time All-PSAC and two-time All-Super Region One selection who earned All-American status as a senior in 2016. He versatility allowed him to play several positions along the offensive line and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers at the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft.    He was the running backs coach at IUP for three seasons (2002-04) before moving to the offensive line in 2005. Campolo came to IUP after spending three seasons (1999-01) as the running backs coach at Duquesne University.   Prior to Duquesne, Campolo coached the backs at Bethany College in 1998 and Serra Catholic High School in McKeesport in 1997.  An IUP alum, Campolo was a four-year letterman from 1992-95. He played in 47 of 48 games and rushed for 984 yards and 20 touchdowns. He ran for four scores during the 1993 NCAA playoffs, helping IUP to an appearance in the Division II championship game. As a senior in 1995 Campolo was voted captain and selected Most Inspirational Player by his coaches and teammates. Campolo is a 1996 graduate of IUP with a bachelor’s degree in communications media. He has a son, Vito. Updated July 19, 2023

Brett Brice enters his fifth season as IUP's special teams coordinator and linebackers coach in 2026.    Brice worked with IUP's special teams in 2025, including the dynamic Kalen Frazier who recorded a 60-yard punt return touchdown against Lock Haven.  Also working with IUP's linebacker unit, Brice coached several All-PSAC selections. Nathan Rasario-Santos and Tai'Don Strickland each earned first-team honors.   Brice worked with a trio of all-conference receiving options in Duane Brown, Hilton Ridley and grant Smith in 2022. Overall, IUP was a strong passing offense in 2022, ranking third nationally in pass efficiency (164.02).  Brown was named the PSAC West Offensive Player of the Year in 2022, later earning all-region and three All-American nods after capping his career with 50 total touchdowns. Ridley was named the MVP of the 2022 Coal Bowl, part of a thrilling 22-21 road win against Cal U, where he hauled in 161 yards on eight grabs.    Brice comes home to Indiana after spending the last six years as a student coach and graduate assistant at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.  Brice started with the Bobcats as a student assistant coach, helping with the running backs, receivers, and tight ends. He also spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons aiding offensive coordinator Scott Isphording. He moved into a graduate assistant role for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, assisting with the OU receivers and special teams while also leading the scout team defense during the week.  Updated: January 23, 2026