SUNY University at Albany Men's Football

Bernard has also added assistant head coach to his title for the 2015 season. In his first year at UAlbany, Bernard oversaw running back Omar Osbourne who earned second-team All-CAA honors and finished his career ranked third all-time in the program archives with 3,229 career rushing yards. Bernard came to UAlbany with 11 years of experience as a defensive coordinator at the FCS level, as well as hefty high school and college head coaching experience. Bernard began his coaching career at Nazareth Area High School in Pennsylvania where was on staff from 1985-1996, helping lead the squad to four league championships and two district championships. As the head coach (1990-95), he compiled a 37-28-1 record. From there, Bernard joined Fairfield Universitys coaching staff from 1996 to 2002. Serving as the defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator, the Stags captured the 1998 MAAC Championship. Bernard was elevated to the position of head coach for the 2001 and 2002 seasons. In 2003, Bernard joined Gattusos staff at Duquesne as the defensive and special teams coordinator. During his seven-year tenure, the Dukes won a Mid-Major National Championship, had the top ranked defense in the FCS, and won five straight MAAC titles (2003-07). Bernard met up with Gattuso again as a member of the University of Pittsburgh staff from 2009-11. As the strength assistant, Bernard helped the Panthers to an 18-8 record, two bowl victories, and a 2010 Big East title. Bernard came to UAlbany after three seasons in the high school ranks. The head coach at Stroudsburg High School, Bernard led his team to a 19-5 record across the 2011 and 2012 seasons, as well as back-to-back conference championships. In 2013, he was the offensive coordinator for Carolina Forest High School in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Sean Pearson was named the offensive line coach at the University at Albany in January 2026, bringing proven offensive line development experience at the Power Four, Group of Five, and FCS levels to the Capital Region. He has built a reputation for producing tight-knit, physical offensive lines and developing strong leaders and team captains who drive team success from the trenches. Pearson joins the Great Danes from Bucknell University, where he served as offensive line coach and run game coordinator. During his tenure, Bucknell produced its most successful overall program results and offensive performance in more than a decade. In his first season, the offense more than doubled its scoring output while producing multiple conference award winners and record-setting performances. Pearson’s offensive lines supported Patriot League Offensive MVP quarterback Ralph Rucker and Offensive Rookie of the Year running back Tariq Thomas, while delivering the program’s most efficient rushing seasons in over a decade. Along the offensive line, Pearson accelerated player development at a high level. He developed walk-on offensive lineman John Ohnegian into a two-time All-Patriot League selection and Top-5 graded FCS center (PFF). Pearson also developed multiple true freshman starters, including Xavier Allen, who advanced to the FBS level, and Andrew Nicholson, who graded among the top freshman offensive tackles in the FCS (PFF). He additionally converted defensive lineman Dara Adeyemi into a starting offensive lineman and Power Four transfer prospect. Prior to Bucknell, Pearson spent two seasons as offensive line coach at Lehigh University, where three of his linemen — George Padezanin, Aiden Palmer, and Langston Jones — earned AP All-America and All-Patriot League honors after developing under his instruction. Palmer and Jones were true freshman starters from Pearson’s first recruiting class, as was Christian Richter, who later became a starting offensive tackle at the FBS level. Pearson’s coaching foundation was built at Northwestern University, where he served as a graduate assistant offensive line coach and assisted in the development of future NFL first-round draft picks Rashawn Slater and Peter Skoronski. He was part of a staff that competed in two Big Ten Championship Games and earned bowl victories in the Citrus Bowl and Holiday Bowl. Earlier in his career, Pearson was a graduate assistant offensive line coach at Western Michigan University, contributing to the program’s historic 2016 season as 13-1 MAC Champions with a Cotton Bowl appearance. While with the Broncos, Pearson assisted in the development of multiple NFL Draft pick and Super Bowl Champion offensive linemen, including Taylor Moton, Chukwuma Okorafor, Jaylon Moore, and Mike Caliendo. A former offensive lineman, Pearson began his collegiate playing career at Temple University before transferring to Wagner College, where he became a two-year starter on the 2012 Northeast Conference championship team that earned the program’s first FCS playoff victory. A graduate of St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, New Jersey, Pearson holds a bachelor’s degree from Wagner College and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University and Northwestern University.  

Chris Calabrese enters his seventh season with the Great Danes in 2026. He currently serves as the team’s defensive line coach. Calabrese helped the Great Dane defense enjoy a historic season in 2023, en route to the team’s first-ever NCAA FCS National Semifinal appearance and first ever CAA title. The UAlbany defense paced the entire country in rushing defense, allowing an FCS low of 87.6 yards per game and just 11 rushing touchdowns. In the CAA, the Great Danes allowed the fewest yards per play (4.9), the third-fewest yards per game (322.5), and the third-fewest touchdowns (33). Prior to joining the Great Danes, Calabrese spent six seasons at ASA College, finishing his time there as the department’s athletic director and head football coach. During that time, he transitioned over 150 athletes from junior college players to both FCS and FBS standouts. In addition, 10 players under Calabrese went on to have NFL careers. Before joining ASA College, Calabrese was a founding member of East Coast Prep – a football-only prep school located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. While there, he served as the director of academic development and as the special teams coordinator and defensive line coach.   Prior to East Coast Prep, Calabrese also spent time with the Valley Forge Military Academy (VFMA) and with Exos. While with VFMA, he served as the assistant head coach and linebackers coach, also working as the director of athletic admissions for the institution. While with Exos, Calabrese earned his CSCS accreditation as a certified strength coach. After completing his internship, he worked as a performance specialist for the company while also working with the NFL Scouting Combine. Calabrese graduated from Menlo College in 2009 with a degree in sports management and finance. He was an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), a member of the Ceritified Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) and was CPR/AED certified from the American Heart Association.  

Jamey McClendon was named to the University at Albany coaching staff in January 2026, bringing a wealth of defensive experience from across the NCAA landscape.   McClendon joined the Great Danes following a highly successful tenure at Utica University, where he served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Under his leadership, the Pioneers fielded one of the Empire 8’s top-ranked scoring defenses. In addition to his coordinator duties at Utica, he served as the program's academic coordinator, emphasizing the holistic development of the student-athletes under his watch.   Prior to his time at Utica, McClendon spent two seasons at the University of Massachusetts (UMass), where he quickly rose through the ranks. After joining the Minutemen as a defensive analyst in 2020, he was promoted to defensive ends coach for the 2021 season. His tenure at UMass was preceded by four seasons at the University of South Florida (USF) from 2016 to 2019. During his time with the Bulls, McClendon contributed to a defensive staff that reached three consecutive bowl games—including back-to-back victories in the Birmingham Bowl—and maintained a winning record in every season of his stay. He also held analytical and scouting responsibilities at Coastal Carolina during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, assisting the program during its critical transition to the FBS level.   A native of Chantilly, Virginia, McClendon enjoyed a decorated playing career at Salisbury University from 2009 to 2012. As a standout linebacker for the Sea Gulls, he was a two-time All-Conference selection and an All-ECAC honoree, helping the program to a 32–12 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances. He finished his playing career with 170 tackles and 9.5 sacks, notably recording 17 tackles in a single game against St. John Fisher in 2011. McClendon began his coaching journey at his alma mater as the defensive line coach, where he helped lead the team to an NCAA playoff berth in 2012.   McClendon earned his Bachelor’s degree in physical education from Salisbury University in 2012 and a Master’s in post-secondary education from the same institution in 2014. He furthered his education with a Master’s degree in physical education from the University of South Florida in 2018. Throughout his career, McClendon has been recognized for his commitment to excellence, earning several academic accolades and scholar-athlete awards during his time as a student-athlete.  

Karl Mofor returned to his alma mater in January 2026 as the running backs coach for the University at Albany, marking the homecoming of one of the most decorated players in Great Danes history.   Mofor joined head coach Tom Perkovich’s staff after spending the 2025 season as the running backs coach at Western Illinois University. During his tenure with the Leathernecks, he was responsible for the development of a young backfield and contributed to an offensive unit competing in the highly physical Missouri Valley Football Conference.   Prior to his move to the Division I coaching ranks, Mofor began his professional transition at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, where he served as the running backs coach for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. During his time with the Engineers, he helped lead an offensive unit that contributed to consecutive winning seasons and a victory in the 2023 ECAC Scotty Whitelaw Bowl. His impact at RPI was immediate, as he mentored a backfield that averaged over 150 rushing yards per game and produced multiple All-Liberty League performers.   Before entering the coaching ranks, Mofor put together a legendary playing career at UAlbany from 2017 to 2021. He finished his time in the Capital Region as a two-time First Team All-CAA selection and a multi-year All-American. Mofor was the engine of the Great Danes' offense, particularly during the historic 2019 season where he led the CAA in rushing with 1,290 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping propel UAlbany to an NCAA FCS Playoff victory over Central Connecticut State. A three-year captain, he concluded his career ranked second in program history in career rushing yards (3,863) and third in program history in career rushing touchdowns (35).   A native of Greenbelt, Maryland, Mofor was a standout at Eleanor Roosevelt High School before arriving at UAlbany. His return to the program brings a deep personal connection and a championship-level perspective to the Great Danes' backfield.  

Matthew Der Torossian joined the University at Albany in January 2026 and currently serves as the team’s tight ends coach.   Der Torossian arrived in the Capital Region following a successful stint at Susquehanna University, where he served as the wide receivers coach and kickoff return coordinator during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. During his tenure with the River Hawks, he was a key contributor to an offensive staff that led the program to consecutive Landmark Conference championships and deep runs in the NCAA Division III playoffs, including a historic semifinal appearance in 2024.   Prior to his coaching career, Der Torossian was a versatile and accomplished student-athlete whose playing journey spanned all three NCAA divisions. He began his collegiate career as a quarterback at San Jose State University from 2019 to 2022, where he was a member of the Spartans' 2020 Mountain West Conference championship team. He later transferred to the University of Indianapolis, where he competed from 2022 to 2023. At UIndy, he successfully transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver, helping the Greyhounds secure back-to-back Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) titles and two NCAA Division II Tournament appearances. By the end of his playing days, Der Torossian held the rare distinction of earning conference championship rings at both the Division I and Division II levels.   A native of Laguna Hills, California, Der Torossian was a standout multi-sport athlete at Laguna Hills High School, where he served as football team captain and was named the school's Male Athlete of the Year in 2019. His commitment to excellence extended to the classroom throughout his collegiate career; he was a perennial Dean’s List student and earned Academic All-Conference honors in both the Mountain West and the GLVC. Der Torossian graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business and Entrepreneurship.  

Shawn Tafe joined the University at Albany football staff in January 2026 as the team's cornerbacks coach, bringing a wealth of defensive expertise and a proven track record of player development to the Great Danes' secondary. Tafe joined the Great Danes' defensive staff after serving as the cornerbacks coach at the University of New Haven. During his tenure, he oversaw a secondary that consistently ranked among the best in the Northeast-10 and remained a defensive anchor as the Chargers transitioned to the FCS level (Northeast Conference) in 2025. His move to UAlbany followed a successful stint at Tiffin University, where as an assistant defensive backs coach, he helped the Dragons achieve top defensive rankings in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Tafe’s coaching foundation was established at the St. Thomas More School in Connecticut, where he held various leadership roles including defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, and passing game coordinator. A standout safety during his playing days at New Haven from 2017 to 2021, Tafe was a two-time All-Conference selection and remains one of the most prolific ballhawks in program history. He currently ranks in the top-10 in the Chargers’ record books for career interceptions and played a vital role in leading the program to multiple NCAA playoff appearances, including the second round in both 2018 and 2021. A native of the Bronx, New York, Tafe earned his Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of New Haven in 2021 and a graduate degree in Sports Management during his tenure at Tiffin University.

Drew Robinson joined the University at Albany football staff in January 2026 and currently serves as a defensive quality control coach.   Robinson arrived in the Capital Region after serving as the inside linebackers coach for the River Hawks during their highly successful 2025 campaign. In his first year on the sidelines, he contributed to a defensive staff that led Susquehanna to its fourth consecutive conference title and another deep run in the NCAA Division III playoffs. His transition to the Great Danes' staff reunited him with coach Tom Perkovich, for whom he played as a standout linebacker before beginning his coaching career.   Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Robinson put together one of the most decorated playing careers in the history of Susquehanna football. A three-time All-Conference selection and two-year team captain, he was a cornerstone of the River Hawks' defense during a period of unprecedented success. His playing career culminated in the historic 2024 season, where he helped lead Susquehanna to a program-record 12 wins and the NCAA Semifinals. Robinson earned First Team All-Landmark honors in both 2023 and 2024, following an All-Centennial Conference selection in 2022. He finished his collegiate career with 242 total tackles, nine forced fumbles, seven sacks, and four interceptions, consistently leading the team in defensive production and leadership.   A native of Hillside, New Jersey, Robinson was a standout performer at St. Peter's Prep before arriving at Susquehanna. Throughout his time as a student-athlete, he was recognized for his academic commitment alongside his athletic achievements, earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting in late 2024.    

Matt Scott was appointed as the defensive coordinator at the University at Albany on January 2, 2026.   Scott arrived back in the Capital Region following a highly decorated 2025 season as the head coach at PennWest Edinboro. In his lone season leading the Fighting Scots, he orchestrated a dramatic turnaround, guiding the program to its first seven-win campaign since 2018 and a share of the PSAC West Division title. His immediate impact on the program earned him PSAC West Coach of the Year honors and solidified his reputation as one of the premier defensive minds in the region.   Prior to his head coaching stint, Scott spent eight seasons as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at the University of New Haven from 2017 to 2024. During his tenure with the Chargers, he commanded one of the most dominant defensive units in NCAA Division II, consistently ranking near the top of the national leaderboards in scoring defense, total defense, and red zone efficiency. His leadership helped propel the Chargers to a 56–21 overall record, three Northeast-10 Conference championships, and five NCAA Playoff appearances. Before his time at New Haven, Scott worked alongside Tom Perkovich as the defensive coordinator at Susquehanna University from 2015 to 2016, where he coached three All-Conference performers and helped the River Hawks rank among the best passing defenses in the Centennial Conference.   Scott’s history with UAlbany dates back to the Bob Ford era, as he served on the Great Danes' staff from 2010 to 2014. During this initial five-year stretch, he held various roles including cornerbacks coach, outside linebackers coach, and special teams coordinator. He was an integral part of the coaching staff that guided UAlbany to back-to-back Northeast Conference titles in 2011 and 2012, as well as an appearance in the FCS Playoffs. His professional growth during this period was further highlighted by his selection for the NFL’s Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Buffalo Bills in 2013. Scott began his coaching journey in 2008 at his alma mater, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), as a student assistant, followed by a season coaching safeties at New Haven in 2009.   As a student-athlete, Scott was a standout nose tackle at Indiana University of Pennsylvania from 2004 to 2007. He was a three-time All-PSAC West second-team selection, finishing his collegiate career with 162 tackles, 42 tackles for loss, and eight sacks across 39 games. He played a pivotal role in leading IUP to a PSAC West championship in 2006 and an NCAA playoff berth in 2007. Scott earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education and sport from IUP in 2008 and later obtained a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of New Haven. A native of Imperial, Pennsylvania, he was a graduate of West Allegheny Senior High School.  

Mike Wiand was named the offensive coordinator at the University at Albany on January 2, 2026.   Wiand joined the Great Danes following a highly successful seven-season tenure at Susquehanna University, where he most recently served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. During his time at Susquehanna, he played a critical role in the River Hawks’ ascent to national prominence, helping lead the program to four consecutive conference championships from 2022 to 2025 and multiple NCAA Playoff appearances. Under his direct guidance, the Susquehanna offense reached new heights, producing numerous All-American and All-Conference performers, including the two-time Landmark Conference Offensive Player of the Year.   Throughout his rapid rise in the coaching ranks, Wiand proved to be a versatile and impactful leader. After joining the Susquehanna staff in 2018 as a running backs coach, he steadily took on expanded responsibilities, including overseeing wide receivers, coordinating the kickoff return unit, and managing the strength and conditioning program for several athletic teams. His 2019 rushing attack led the Centennial Conference with 32 touchdowns on the ground, averaging over 183 yards per game. By 2022, he transitioned to coaching quarterbacks and served as the offensive pass game coordinator before his promotion to the lead offensive coordinator role in 2024. His contributions were a cornerstone of a coaching staff that earned multiple Coaching Staff of the Year honors during his tenure.   Prior to his coaching career, Wiand was a standout linebacker at East Stroudsburg University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in exercise science in 2018. A three-year starter for the Warriors, he was a 2016 All-PSAC East selection and a 2017 CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree. He finished his collegiate playing career with 201 tackles, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles, and was inducted into the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society. Wiand began his collegiate journey at Penn State University, where he spent two seasons as a member of the Nittany Lions' program. A native of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, he was a three-time All-District selection at Mifflinburg High School, where he also lettered in basketball and track and field.  

Keith Larson was named the special teams coordinator at the University at Albany on January 2, 2026, marking a return to the Capital Region where he previously established a strong coaching reputation.   Larson joined the Great Danes after spending two seasons at Texas A&M as a special teams analyst from 2024 to 2025. During his time in College Station, he contributed to a staff that led the Aggies to a No. 7 ranking heading into the program's first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff. Prior to his tenure at Texas A&M, Larson served as a special teams analyst at Duke University from 2022 to 2023, where he mentored All-ACC specialists and helped the Blue Devils achieve notable success in their kicking and punting units.   Before moving to the FBS level, Larson held significant roles in the Northeast, including a three-year stint at Bucknell University from 2019 to 2021. At Bucknell, he served as the special teams coordinator and coached both wide receivers and defensive backs, helping develop multiple All-Patriot League selections. His coaching foundation in the Capital Region was built at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, where he worked from 2016 to 2018. During his time with the Engineers, he served as the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach, playing a key role in the team winning two Liberty League titles and making back-to-back NCAA Division III playoff appearances, including a run to the national quarterfinals in 2018.   Larson’s collegiate playing career took place at Valparaiso University, where he was a three-year letterwinner at safety. Recognized for his leadership on the field, he served as the Crusaders' special teams captain and graduated in 2014 with a degree in business management. He began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at Robert Morris University (Illinois), where he coached defensive backs and earned a master’s degree in sports administration in 2015.  

Will Fiacchi, a three-year team captain and former academic All-American, enters his tenth season on his alma mater’s coaching staff in 2026.   During the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Fiacchi remained a steadying presence on the sidelines as the program navigated a period of transition following its historic 2023 semifinal run. In 2024, he helped manage an offense that finished with a 4–8 record. He was then elevated to offensive coordinator for the 2025 season, where he oversaw the development of quarterback Jack Shields and a resilient receiving corps. Despite a challenging 2–10 campaign in 2025, Fiacchi’s unit showed flashes of brilliance, highlighted by a thrilling 31–24 road victory over No. 12 Monmouth to close out the year.   UAlbany wideouts enjoyed stellar success under Fiacchi's tutelage in 2023 when he was the team’s wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. Under his guidance, wideout Brevin Easton finished fourth in the FCS with 1,086 receiving yards and third with 13 receiving touchdowns, while Julian Hicks followed closely with 11 touchdowns and 820 yards. The 2023 Great Dane offense led the CAA in receiving touchdowns with 37 and ranked sixth in the conference with 242.3 receiving yards per game, with five different players recording over 200 yards. Both Easton and Hicks successfully transitioned to the professional ranks following the season, signing NFL contracts with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers, respectively.   During the 2022 season, as the team’s tight ends coach and passing game coordinator, Fiacchi mentored Thomas Greaney through one of the most prolific seasons for a tight end in program history. Greaney hauled in 50 receptions for 692 yards and nine touchdowns, leading all CAA tight ends and eventually signing with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent. Fiacchi also played a pivotal role in the 2021 spring season, where he was responsible for developing a young receiving core led.   In 2019, as the team’s wide receivers coach, Fiacchi oversaw a historic receiving duo in Juwan Green and Jerah Reeves, who combined for 24 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards. Green led the FCS in touchdown receptions and set several single-season and single-game program records before signing with the Atlanta Falcons. Green's accolades under Fiacchi included First Team All-CAA honors and multiple All-America selections from the AP, STATS FCS, and HERO Sports.   Fiacchi returned to UAlbany as an offensive assistant in 2017 following a stint as the quarterbacks coach and video coordinator at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y. A 2014 graduate of UAlbany, Fiacchi remains the program’s all-time leading passer upon his transition to the coaching staff, holding records for career passing yards (7,150) and completions (602) after making 35 consecutive starts for the Great Danes.