Report: Greg Gattuso Set to Return to Duquesne

Former Duquesne head coach expected to take on defensive coaching role

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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According to reports, former Duquesne Dukes football head coach Greg Gattuso is set to return to the program in a defensive coaching capacity, potentially as the defensive coordinator or in a similar senior role overseeing the defense.

Why it matters

Gattuso has a long and successful track record as a defensive coach, having led the Albany Great Danes to the FCS playoffs and their best season in program history. His return to Duquesne, where he previously enjoyed tremendous success as head coach, could help bolster the Dukes' defensive unit.

The details

Gattuso most recently worked as a senior defensive analyst at Penn State in 2025. Prior to that, he was the head coach at Albany for 11 seasons, leading the Great Danes to the FCS playoffs and their best season in 2023. Before his long stint at Albany, Gattuso began his college coaching career at Duquesne, where his teams went 97-32 and 67-7 in conference play over 10 seasons. He has also had assistant coaching stops at Pitt and Maryland.

  • In 2025, Gattuso worked as a senior defensive analyst at Penn State.
  • From 2012 to 2022, Gattuso was the head coach at Albany.
  • From 2013 to 2022, Gattuso led Albany to an 11-4 record and 7-1 in the CAA, the best in program history.
  • From 2003 to 2012, Gattuso was the head coach at Duquesne, where his teams went 97-32 and 67-7 in conference play.

The players

Greg Gattuso

A veteran college football coach with a successful track record, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. He is set to return to Duquesne, where he previously enjoyed tremendous success as the head coach.

Mickey Jacobs

The former defensive coordinator at Duquesne, who has left the program to become the linebackers coach at UConn.

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What they’re saying

“We're told that while the exact role could carry the defensive coordinator title, it could also be in a 'head coach of the defense' style of role.”

— Doug Samuels, Reporter (Football Scoop)

What’s next

Duquesne is currently in the market for a defensive coach following the departure of former defensive coordinator Mickey Jacobs, and Gattuso's return to the program in a senior defensive role is expected to help fill that vacancy.

The takeaway

Gattuso's return to Duquesne, where he previously enjoyed tremendous success, could provide a significant boost to the Dukes' defensive unit and help the program build on its recent accomplishments.