Football | 8/21/2026 2:39:00 PM

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – The Bloomsburg athletics family mourns the passing of former football head coach and longtime defensive coordinator Paul Darragh following a lengthy battle with cancer.

"Paul's impact on Bloomsburg football and the student-athletes he coached went far beyond wins and championships," said director of athletics Dr. Michael McFarland. "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 was an outstanding football coach, mentor, and friend to so many in our community. Our thoughts are with the entire Darragh family."

Darragh spent 23 seasons with the Huskies, including seven as head coach after serving 16 seasons as the program's defensive coordinator. He joined the Bloomsburg coaching staff in 1997 and was named interim head coach prior to the 2013 season before taking over the program permanently later that year.

As head coach, Darragh compiled a 52-28 record and guided the Huskies to some of the program's most memorable seasons. His first two teams went a combined 21-4, captured back-to-back PSAC East titles and earned consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearances. Bloomsburg won the PSAC championship in 2013 before advancing to the NCAA Super Region One championship game and finishing 11-2 in 2014.

Darragh was named the PSAC East Coach of the Year in both 2013 and 2014 and earned American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Super Region One Coach of the Year honors following the 2014 campaign.

Prior to becoming head coach, Darragh spent 16 seasons overseeing a Bloomsburg defense that was consistently among the best in the PSAC and NCAA Division II. During his time on the Huskies' staff, Bloomsburg developed into one of the most successful programs in the region, regularly competing for PSAC championships and NCAA postseason berths.

"It was an honor to work with Coach Darragh," remarked current head coach Frank Sheptock. "He was a good man! Coach Darragh epitomized the values of Husky football! He impacted players in the classroom and on the field."
 
Before coming to Bloomsburg, Darragh coached at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, William Paterson, Gannon, Northeastern, and Temple. A three-year starter and team captain at Temple, Darragh earned All-East honors as an inside linebacker before graduating in 1985.

For more than two decades, Darragh was a fixture on the Bloomsburg sideline and an important part of the tradition of Huskies football. His impact continues through the generations of student-athletes he coached, the colleagues he worked alongside and the relationships he built throughout the Bloomsburg community.

Information regarding services and memorial contributions will be shared when available.