Waynesburg University announced the hiring of Dr. Cornelius Coleman as new Head Football Coach and Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Learning Experiences on Tuesday. Dr. Coleman is a Waynesburg alum and comes to the University following two years as Duquesne’s defensive line coach. “First and foremost, I just want to thank President Lee, Dr. Baer, and Adam Jack for the opportunity. I’m honestly speechless and am so grateful,” Dr. Coleman said in a statement. “I’ve been looking for opportunities like this for the past few years to become a head coach, share my knowledge and help young men grow academically, athletically and socially.”
Prior to his work at Duquesne, Dr. Coleman spent one season at the University of Pittsburgh, four years at Robert Morris and seven seasons at Averett University in Danville, VA. He was a four-year letterman at Waynesburg, a career that included First Team All-PAC honors and honorable mention All-American status following his 1999 senior season, leading the Yellow Jackets in sacks and tackles for loss.
Dr. Coleman takes over for Chris Smithley who is becoming Assistant Athletic Director for Development and Alumni Relations at the University. Smithley served four years as the Yellow Jackets’ head coach and was interim head coach in 2017. He will have the opportunity to interact with alumni with ties to the athletic department, working closely with both Athletics and Office for Institutional Advancement.