Penn State adds alumnus, Albany HC Greg Gattuso as consultant
Penn State is bringing another one of its own back into the fold. Announcing his decision on Wednesday afternoon, Nittany Lion letterman and University of Albany head football coach Greg Gattuso will join James Franklin‘s staff as a defensive line consultant.
Gattuso joined Albany athletic director Mark Benson during a press conference to reveal the news.
“It’s an exciting day for me and my family,” said Gattuso via press release. “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.”
Greg Gattuso record at Albany
The 62-year old Gattuso is originally from Pittsburgh and was an integral piece of Penn State’s 1980s successes, winning a national championship in 1982. He joins the Nittany Lions’ staff having compiled a 54-69 overall record at Albany including a Coastal Athletic Association title in 2023. The Danes bowed out reaching the FCS semifinal.
During his career in Albany, Gattuso also helped to produce 12 players who would go on to sign NFL contracts including Los Angeles Rams defensive standout Jared Verse.
“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.”
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Next steps at Penn State
Gattuso will work alongside Penn State defensive line coach Deion Barnes and new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. In the process, he builds the program’s group of alumnus now holding roles within the organization to 17.
Also adding another voice to the staff with head coaching experience, the move plays into Franklin’s comments leading into the Orange Bowl hailing the benefits of having those perspectives.
“I just think at the end of the day, we’d like to get as many qualified and experienced guys on your staff as possible. We’ve been fortunate to be able to go out and get former head coaches that are able to come in and use those experiences, those leadership experiences, those organizational experiences that they’ve had, and then also get back to doing what we love,” said Franklin. “I think in today’s college football, if you’re not careful, it can pull you further and further away from why you got into the profession in the first place.
“The more guys you can have on your staff that have tremendous experience. I think sometimes when you go back to being an assistant after being a head coach, it makes you a better assistant. I think it makes you a better coordinator.”
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