Bucknell University Athletics
Darnell Stapleton Joins Bucknell Football Staff as Offensive Line Coach
7/16/2014 1:28:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton has joined the Bucknell football coaching staff, Bison head coach Joe Susan announced Wednesday. Stapleton, who played at Rutgers under Susan, will coach the Bucknell offensive line.
The offensive line coach at Pace University during the spring of 2014, Stapleton recently completed two years as a graduate assistant at Rutgers, working closely with an offensive line that ranked in the top 10 nationally in fewest sacks allowed in 2012. The Scarlet Knights went to two bowl games during Stapleton's tenure as a coach, which also included a Big East title.
Susan was an assistant coach at Rutgers from 2001 to 2009 and was on staff when Stapleton joined the Rutgers program in 2005. He started all 25 games at center during his two years at Rutgers, earning recognition as a finalist for the Rimington Trophy as a senior. Stapleton anchored an offensive line that blocked for future NFL Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice, who totaled 1,794 yards that season.
Stapleton graduated from Rutgers in 2007 with a degree in business and labor relations.
“We are fortunate to have a man like Darnell Stapleton on our staff,” said Susan. “I had the privilege of recruiting him and working with him during our shared time at Rutgers. He was a very good player and was the leader of the offensive line during his two years. Darnell was one of the smartest players I have been around and I am certain this will carry over into his approach coaching our offensive line. He will challenge the young men he coaches to be the best they can be.
“We have some very experienced players on our offensive line and they will be counted on heavily in relation to the success of our offense and our team. Darnell will do a great job preparing them to play the game the right way.”
Stapleton was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007 to 2010 and was on the squad that won Super Bowl XLIII at the conclusion of the 2008 campaign. He started 18 games on the offensive line during his time in Pittsburgh, including the Super Bowl. Overall, he played in 26 career games with the Steelers.
Stapleton's coaching career started in 2011 with the New York Sharks, a women's professional football team. He followed that stint with one season coaching both the offensive and defensive lines at Montclair Kimberly Academy. The squad posted a 9-2 mark, surpassing the program record for wins by three.
Bucknell has posted a 6-5 record in two of the last three years and returns regular starters at 17 positions in 2014. Preseason practice is scheduled to begin Aug. 4 and the season opener is Aug. 30 against VMI at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.
