Former Duquesne Head Coach Greg Gattuso Returns to Program as Associate Head Coach

Gattuso, who led the Dukes for 10 seasons, is coming back to his alma mater after stints at Penn State and Albany.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Greg Gattuso, who previously served as the head coach of the Duquesne Dukes football program for 10 seasons, is returning to the school as the new associate head coach. Gattuso had a successful tenure with the Dukes, leading the team to a 97-32 record and 67-7 mark in conference play before departing in 2005. After coaching at the FBS level with Pitt and Maryland, and most recently as the head coach at Albany, Gattuso is excited to return to Duquesne, his alma mater, and work alongside current head coach Jerry Schmitt.

Why it matters

Gattuso's return to Duquesne is seen as a major boost for the program, as he was instrumental in establishing the Dukes' success when they transitioned to the FCS level. His extensive coaching experience at both the FBS and FCS levels will provide valuable guidance to the current Duquesne team and coaching staff.

The details

Gattuso spent 10 seasons as the head coach of the Duquesne Dukes from 1995 to 2004, compiling a 97-32 overall record and 67-7 conference record. He helped establish the program as a consistent winner when Duquesne moved up to the FCS level. After leaving Duquesne, Gattuso had assistant coaching stints at Pitt and Maryland before becoming the head coach at Albany, where he led the Great Danes to their second-ever FCS playoff appearance and win in 2019. Most recently, Gattuso served as a senior defensive analyst at Penn State.

  • Gattuso was the head coach at Duquesne from 1995 to 2004.
  • He left Duquesne in 2005 after 10 seasons as head coach.
  • Gattuso was the head coach at Albany from 2014 to 2024.
  • In 2025, Gattuso worked as a senior defensive analyst at Penn State.
  • In 2026, Gattuso is returning to Duquesne as the associate head coach.

The players

Greg Gattuso

A former head coach of the Duquesne Dukes football program who is returning to the school as the associate head coach after stints at Penn State and Albany.

Jerry Schmitt

The current head coach of the Duquesne Dukes football program, who is welcoming Gattuso back to the program.

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What they’re saying

“As I wind down my career, the opportunity to coach at my alma mater, Penn State, and to return to the place I love most, Duquesne University, is truly a dream come true. To be able to do that while working alongside a great friend like Jerry Schmitt makes it incredibly special.”

— Greg Gattuso (on3.com)

“We are excited to welcome Coach Greg Gattuso back to the Duquesne Football family. Greg brings 36 years of experience at the FBS and FCS levels, including 23 years as a head coach, and that knowledge will have an immediate impact on our staff and student-athletes.”

— Jerry Schmitt, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

Gattuso will join the Duquesne coaching staff immediately and begin preparing for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Gattuso's return to Duquesne represents a homecoming for the longtime coach, who helped establish the program's success during its transition to the FCS level. His extensive experience and knowledge will be invaluable assets as the Dukes look to continue their winning tradition under the guidance of head coach Jerry Schmitt.