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| Photo by Tom Nettleton, d3photography.com |
West Chester announced the hiring of Charles “Duke” Greco as the newest head coach of the football program.
Greco, who comes to West Chester from nearby Delaware Valley University, becomes the 17th head coach in the history of the Golden Rams’ storied program, but just the third in the last 35 years.
He replaces Bill Zwaan, the former Widener head coach who took the West Chester job and retired after 21 seasons and a 163-76 record.
Greco is the fifth head coach of a Division III football playoff team to leave his position this offseason, following Bethel's Steve Johnson, Belhaven's Blaine McCorkle, Union's Jon Poppe and Johns Hopkins' Greg Chimera.
“I am excited that Duke Greco will be our next head football coach,” Beattie said. “There was a deep and talented pool of candidates, and Duke impressed me more and more with each interaction. His record as a head coach, his ties to our region, and his commitment to the overall development of young men stood out to me. I look forward to partnering with Mr. Greco as we continue the storied tradition of Golden Rams football. I would also like to thank the search committee and all those involved in our process.”
Greco has authored an overall record of 91-15 over the past 10 seasons at Division III Del Val with postseason berths each year, including six NCAA appearances, three trips to the NCAA quarterfinals, six consecutive Middle Atlantic Conference championships, two Centennial-MAC Bowl game wins and four MAC Coach of the Year honors.
The Aggies finished the 2023 regular season 9-1 overall and a perfect 9-0 in conference play, extending their win streak against MAC teams to 53 straight. The streak is the longest in the 70-year history of MAC football and dates to the 2016 season. Additionally, five Aggies were named D3football.com All-Region 1 at the end of the season.
“Saying goodbye to DelVal is not an easy thing to do for me or my family, but I am excited for the next opportunity and this next stage of life,” said Greco. “I am overcome with gratitude for DelVal and that gratitude extends from the players, the coaches, the alumni, the friends of the program and the staff all the way up to the administration. DelVal is a place that I’ve called home since I started here as a freshman over 20 years ago and I’m thankful for everything the University has afforded me and for all the support everyone has showed the program.”
“I would like to thank Duke for 10 unbelievable years of service and leadership directing the Delaware Valley football program,” said director of athletics Dave Duda. “Under his direction the program has reached unprecedented levels both within the MAC and on the national level. He has truly earned a wonderful opportunity like the one that presented itself at West Chester University. I wish Duke and his family nothing but success in this new opportunity.”
Prior to becoming head coach at his alma mater in 2014, Greco had an 11-year stint as an assistant coach, including eight as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. Greco graduated from Delaware Valley in 2003 with a bachelor of arts degree in sports management.