Kevin Donley

William Kevin Donley (born July 4, 1951)^[2] is an American football coach and former player. In 2017, Donley began his 39th season as a head coach in addition to the 1997 season which was devoted to establishing the football program at the University of Saint Francis. Donley was named head coach there in April 1997. The Saint Francis Cougars began play in the 1998 season, and Donley has held that position since the program's inception.

Donley currently holds the NAIA record for most wins by a NAIA football coach. In addition, Donley entered the 2017 season as the winningest active coach in all of college football.^[3][4]

Prior to Saint Francis, Donley served as the head coach at Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana (1978–1981), Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky (1982–1992), and California University of Pennsylvania (1993–1996).

Donley's 2016 Saint Francis Cougars team won the NAIA Football National Championship, and his 1991 Georgetown Tigers team won the NAIA Division II Football National Championship. In addition to the 2016 championship, Donley led Saint Francis to three consecutive NAIA title games from 2004 to 2006.

For his coaching achievements, Donley has been inducted to several local, state and national halls of fame.

Early life and playing career

Donley is a native of Springfield, Ohio where he graduated from Shawnee High School in 1969.^[2] His playing career continued in college as a linebacker and fullback at Anderson College.^[2]

Coaching career

Anderson University

After graduating from Anderson University in 1973^[2] with a bachelor's degree in physical education, Donley returned to his alma mater in 1976 to serve two seasons as offensive coordinator. In 1978, at the age of 26, Donley was named the youngest head football coach in the country. Over the next four years, Donley's teams compiled an overall record of 28–9 (.757), winning the conference title in 1980 and 1981. As of 2016, after 70 years of Anderson Ravens football, Donley's winning percentage stands as the best among all head coaches in program history.^[5] In 1980, Donley earned a master's degree in education from Ball State University.

Georgetown College (KY)

Donley joined the Georgetown College staff as head coach in 1982. The high point of his tenure there came in 1991 when the Tigers went 13–1 and won the NAIA Division II Football National Championship. In the 14 games that season, the Tigers scored 744 points, among the most of all college football teams at all levels of play. For his team's achievements, Donley was named the NAIA National Coach of the Year.

California University of Pennsylvania

Donley served as the head coach at California University of Pennsylvania from 1993 to 1996. In four seasons, Donley's teams compiled an uncharacteristic record of 11–33.

University of Saint Francis (IN)

In 1997, Donley became the first head football coach at the University of Saint Francis. After a year of preparation, the Cougars began play in the 1998 season.^[2] In his first campaign, Donley led Saint Francis to a record of 2–8, their only losing season to date. Since 1999, his teams have lost more than three games only one time, in the 2014 season. Seven of Donley's squads have completed undefeated regular seasons (2002–2006, 2008, 2015), and three consecutive teams finished as national runners-up (2004–2006).

Donley led the Cougars to their first national championship win to end the 2016 season, coming 25 years after his initial championship at Georgetown. The national title resulted in Donley being named the NAIA National Coach of the Year for the third time (he also won the award in 2004 when his team was national runner-up).

Family

Donley has two children from Mary Mulford Donley, whom he married at Devington Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN when he was a senior in college at Anderson University (m. 7/1/1972):^[6] a son, Patrick, and a daughter, Megan.^[7] He has no biological children from his second wife, Sharon Isler Donley,^[8] and his third wife, Rita A. Haifley Didier Terry Donley (m. 12/30/2011).^[9] Currently, his son, Patrick, serves as Co-Offensive Coordinator^[10] and his step-son, Joey Didier, serves as Co-Defensive Coordinator for Donley's USF football team.^[11]

Awards and honors

• 3-time NAIA National Coach of the Year (2016, 2004, 1991)^[12][13][14]
• 3-time AFCA Region 2 (NAIA) Coach of the Year (2016, 2015, 2008)^[15][16][17]
• NAIA District 32 Coach of the Year (1991)^[18]
• 10-time MSFA MEL Conference Coach of the Year (2015, 2013, 2012, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999)^[13]
• 2-time Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year (1991, 1989)^[18][19]
• 2-time Hoosier-Buckeye Conference Coach of the Year (1981, 1980)^[2]
• 19 conference titles in 38 seasons of coaching through 2016
• first coach in MSFA history to reach the 100-win plateau^[13]
• Inductee, NAIA Hall of Fame^[20]
• Inductee, University of Saint Francis Athletics Hall of Fame (Class of 2008)
• Inductee, Indiana Football Hall of Fame (2005)^[2]
• Inductee, Georgetown College Athletics Hall of Fame (Class of 2004)^[21]
• Red coat recipient, Mad Anthonys (2007)^[22]

NAIA career wins leader / Milestone wins

Donley has more wins than any other NAIA head coach. Donley has attained this record while coaching three different NAIA football programs.^[23]

On November 26, 2016, Donley attained a milestone win in his career. With his team's victory in the quarterfinal round of the NAIA playoffs, Donley recorded his 300th victory as a head coach. Donley became only the 13th coach in college football history, at all levels of play, to have reached this plateau.

Head coaching record

See also

• List of college football coaches with 200 wins
• List of college football coaches with 100 losses

References

External links

• Saint Francis profile