Former BU coach Darragh passes

Former Bloomsburg University football coach Paul Darragh proved time and again he was always up to the challenge.

His latest health obstacles included.

The longtime defensive coordinator and head coach of the Huskies passed away Wednesday at 63 after being ill for some time.

Despite knowing of the health struggles, the news still hit friend and longtime broadcaster Jim Doyle hard.

“The last time I saw him, they had a fundraising golf tournament in June at Frosty Valley and Paul was there,” Doyle said. “It was the last time a lot of people connected with the program got to see him. It was nice to do that one last time.

“Even when you know it’s inevitable, it doesn’t make it any easier. He seemed young to me.”

Darragh’s first challenge on the gridiron was replacing John Devlin as defensive coordinator in 1997. Coach Danny Hale expected the transition to be smooth since Devlin personally hired Darragh based on their time at Temple.

“He was handpicked by John and I fully supported it,” said Hale, who hopes BU acknowledges Darragh’s life and contributions. “Paul was a G[rad] A[ssistant] at Temple and like that he was hardworking and loyal.”

Devlin had been with the Huskies for 37 years, serving as the defensive coordinator for his final five. Darragh stepped in flawlessly, helping the Huskies capture the first of eight PSAC East championships under his tutelage.

The Huskies ranked in the top-half of the PSAC in total defense in seven of his last 11 seasons in the role. The Huskies also finished first or second in run defense in the PSAC five times during his tenure as coordinator. They also qualified for the NCAA tournament seven times, playing in the 2000 national championship.

Players also thrived under his guidance. Darragh coached 57 First Team All-PSAC players, 10 All-Americans and three PSAC East Defensive Players of the Year: Anthony Smith (2009), Mike Varanavage (2010) and Justin Shirk (2014). Shirk was also named Super Region One Defensive Player of the Year.

“He was intense as most coaches were,” said Doyle, who has broadcast every BU game alongside Andy Ulicny since 1988. “He had a relaxed air about him. He wasn’t a yeller or screamer; he was a teacher and had a level head to him.”

That level of calmness and success jumped out when it came time to replace College Football Hall of Fame coach Hale after the 2012 season.

“I was asked [about my replacement] and I thought Paul was deserving. I had no doubt about it,” Hale said. “He did a great job and subscribed to my philosophy that it’s more than football on the field; it’s about building relationships and success off the field.”

Darragh kept the winning tradition going for the Huskies, leading them to consecutive PSAC East titles and NCAA tournament appearances in 2013 and 2014. BU also won the conference outright in 2013. Darragh, who turned in the best season for any first-year coach in 2013 with his 10-2 record, was awarded the PSAC East Coach of the Year both times.

“There was something to be said for keeping it together,” Doyle said. “Danny turned over a great team, but Paul was really good at what he did and had some success. Both times he moved up the ladder, he did a great job filling big shoes.”

The Huskies had four All-Americans in his first season, and Franklyn Quiteh took home the Harlon Hill Award as the best running back in Division II.

Darragh’s tenure lasted until 2019, when the school fired him after posting a 5-6 record, its first losing season since 1998. It has had one winning season since, coming in 2024. He finished with a 52-28 record over seven years.

Prior to BU, Darragh was the linebackers coach at Indiana (PA), Northeastern and Gannon. He also served as the defensive coordinator at Gannon and William Paterson College.

Darragh graduated from Temple, where he served as a graduate assistant, in 1985 after earning All-East honors as a linebacker.

Darragh leaves behind wife Yelena and children Sasha, Lemuel and Gabriel.

“It’s a blessing he’s not suffering anymore. He’s been fighting the good fight for a few years now,” Hale said. “... I was joking with his kids and saying he and John [Devlin] are doing X’s and O’s up there somewhere.”

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