Longtime coach leaves legacy at Bloomsburg

Paul Darragh, a longtime college football coach who spent more than two decades at Bloomsburg University, has died following a battle with cancer, the university announced.

Darragh spent 23 seasons at Bloomsburg, serving as defensive coordinator for 16 years and head coach for seven. During his tenure as head coach, he compiled a record of 52 wins and 28 losses. The Huskies went 21-4 in his first two seasons at the helm, winning back-to-back PSAC East titles and earning a spot in the Division II playoffs both years. Darragh was named PSAC East Coach of the Year in both 2013 and 2014.

Tributes from Bloomsburg officials

Bloomsburg Director of Athletics Michael McFarland paid tribute to Darragh's impact on the program.

"Paul's impact on Bloomsburg football and the student-athletes he coached went far beyond wins and championships," McFarland said. "For more than two decades, Paul devoted himself to this program and helped establish the standard that defined Bloomsburg football for so many years."

He added: "He was an outstanding football coach, mentor, and friend to so many in our community. Our thoughts are with the entire Darragh family."

Current Bloomsburg head coach Frank Sheptock also expressed his condolences.

"It was an honor to work with Coach Darragh," Sheptock said. "He was a good man! Coach Darragh epitomized the values of Husky football! He impacted players in the classroom and on the field."

Career before Bloomsburg

Prior to his time at Bloomsburg, Darragh coached at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, William Paterson, Gannon, Northeastern and Temple. He also played college football at Temple, where he was a three-year starter and team captain for the Owls.