ALBANY, N.Y. – Greg Gattuso has officially stepped down as head coach of the University at Albany football program.
 
"We can't thank Coach Gattuso enough for his commitment to UAlbany, the Great Dane fanbase, and all of the staff and student-athletes he has helped mentor over the last 11 years," said Director of Athletics Mark Benson. "He has shown nothing but class to all of those he has worked with since the moment he stepped on campus. Greg has taken this football program to unprecedented levels, and we will forever be appreciative of him and the legacy he leaves behind. UAlbany football is well positioned for future success thanks to his steady leadership."
 
Gattuso leaves UAlbany to take a position with his alma mater, Penn State. Gattuso played for the Nittany Lions in the early 80's as a defensive lineman, helping the team to a National Title in 1982.
 
"It's an exciting day for me and my family," said Gattuso. "The Purple Family welcomed me with open arms when I got here in 2013, and their support remained unwavering over every part of my 11 years. We've been through so much over that time. There are countless people I need to thank for their roles in this program's success. UAlbany does, and always will, have a special place in my heart."
 
Gattuso was named the head coach in December of 2013, becoming just the second person in the program's history to hold the title after legendary coach Bob Ford's retirement. In 11 seasons at UAlbany, Gattuso took the program to new heights as the team adjusted to the highly competitive Coastal Athletic Association.
 
2019 saw the program's second ever FCS Playoff appearance and first-ever playoff win, a 42-14 clobbering of Central Connecticut State.
 
The 2023 UAlbany football season was the best in program history. The Great Danes finished with an 11-4 overall record, going 7-1 in CAA action. Under Gattuso and his staff, the team claimed its first ever conference title, sharing it with Villanova and Richmond. The Great Danes claimed the crown of "Undisputed Champions" after defeating Villanova midway through the season, 31-10 at home, and taking down Richmond in the Second Round of the FCS Playoffs, 41-13 at home.
 
UAlbany was awarded the FCS Playoff's #5 seed, the highest the team has ever been ranked, while also receiving a First Round bye. The team's Second Round win over Richmond cemented the furthest the Great Danes had ever reached in the postseason, having previously reached the Second Round in 2019. In the Quarterfinals, UAlbany flew across the country to #4 Idaho – taking down the Vandals, 30-22, in the Kibbie Dome to advance to the National Semifinals before falling to South Dakota State, the top seed and eventual National Champions.
 
Throughout his career at UAlbany, Gattuso has tallied 54 victories, six Golden Apple titles, two FCS Playoff appearances, and three FCS Playoff wins. He is a two-time CAA Coach of the Year (2019, 2023) and was named the 2023 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) FCS Coach of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.
 
Under Gattuso, UAlbany football has recorded many program firsts. The Great Danes recorded their first ever win over an FBS school in 2016, a 22-16 victory over Buffalo. A year later, in 2017, UAlbany recorded its first ever victory over a top 10 ranked FCS team, defeating #7 Villanova by a score of 19-10 in overtime.
 
Taking the reins of the program in just its second year in the CAA, UAlbany players under Gattuso have taken in a multitude of conference awards. Gattuso and his staff have been responsible for three Offensive Rookies of the Year, two Defensive Rookies of the Year, one Defensive Player of the Year, and a total of 16 CAA First Team selections.
 
Since Gattuso took the helm in 2013, 12 different UAlbany players have gone on to sign NFL contracts, including:

• 2014 Kadeem Williams (OL)
• 2015 Brian Parker (TE)
• 2016 Abner Logan (LB)
• 2017 Anthony Manzo-Lewis (TE)
• 2018 Vincent Testaverde (QB)
• 2019 Juwan Green (WR)
• 2019 Eli Mencer (DL/LB)
• 2019 Jarren Williams (DB)
• 2023 Thomas Greaney (TE)
• 2023 Brevin Easton (WR)
• 2023 Julian Hicks (WR)
• 2023 Jared Verse (DE)

 
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