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| St. Vincent athletics photo |
St. Vincent today hired Casey Goff as head football coach.
A native of Montrose in Susquehanna County, Goff, 46, has extensive college coaching experience. He began his coaching career in 2007 at Washington & Jefferson and most recently was head coach at The College of New Jersey from 2017 through the 2023 season.
Goff replaces St. Vincent alumnus and former quarterback Aaron Smetanka, who compiled a 19-36 record in six seasons as coach of the Bearcats.
"Casey brings with him a history of excellence in coaching, forming young men to be excellent grown men, using football as the discipline to become better in everything they do," said Father Paul Taylor, O.S.B., C'87, S'91, president of St. Vincent College. "For the student-athletes at St. Vincent, academics come first. Coach Goff will bring that discipline to his coaches and team so that we will move forward and win. I am confident in Casey Goff and am so glad that he is with us."
As head coach and special teams co-coordinator at TCJN, Goff compiled more than 20 wins. In 2023, the Lions went 5-5—the program's best record in 11 years—and produced 12 all-conference players. Goff and his staff were named the New Jersey Athletic Conference coaching staff of the year. Over his tenure at TCNJ, Goff grew the team's roster from 75 student-athletes to more than 100.
In his new role at St. Vincent, Goff said he is committed to holding a high standard for the student-athletes' success on the field and in the classroom.
"We want high-character student-athletes who understand when you step onto a college campus, it's not just about football, it's about the academics as well," Goff said. "There has to be full commitment to academics and football."
Goff expressed gratitude to Father Paul, director of athletics DP Harris, C'13, and Dr. Jeff Mallory, C'06, G'13, executive vice president and chief operating officer, who spearheaded the College's search for a new coach.
"Most of all, I have to thank my wife Jaimie, who has been such an integral part of journey as a football coach, which ultimately has landed us at what we feel is an extremely special place at St. Vincent," Goff said.
Harris said St. Vincent's national search process included evaluations of coaches with experience in the NFL and Big Ten and numerous NCAA Division II and Division III coaches.
"Seventy-five years ago, a group of young Bearcats ventured to the Tangerine Bowl," Harris said, referring to St. Vincent's 7-6 win against Emory & Henry in the 1950 bowl game. "Today, we usher in a new football coach with a different journey. We have come a long way, and I am excited to see our football team run out onto Chuck Noll Field this fall."
Goff was a standout linebacker and defensive lineman at Susquehanna and graduated with a bachelor's degree in history in 2000. In 1999, he helped lead the River Hawks to a Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth League championship and was a recipient of school's Coaches Award.
Goff's first coaching post was a three-year stint as defensive line coach at Washington & Jefferson. With his help, the Presidents led the Presidents' Athletic Conference in total defense and five other defensive categories. During his tenure, W&J ranked among the top 25 nationally in four defensive categories, including seventh in sacks.
Goff was defensive coordinator at King's, and at Salve Regina. At King's, Goff was the recruiting coordinator for central and northeastern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, New York and Florida. At Salve Regina, Goff mentored four All-America players and 11 all-conference selections.
In 2016, Goff was the head coach at Defiance and led the Yellow Jackets to five wins, their most in five years. He also has coached at Rhodes, Cortland and Muhlenberg.