Kim Niedbala joined the Edinboro coaching staff in the spring of 2006 as the defensive backs coach after serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Clarion, for seven seasons from 1999-05.
He quickly made his mark at Edinboro while instructing the secondary. In his first season a pair of players earned All-PSAC West honors, and four years ago three of the four members of the secondary were recognized as All-PSAC performers. In fact, in each of his eight years at least one member of the secondary has earned All-PSAC honors.
At Clarion, he was elevated to the defensive coordinator in 2002 after working with the outside linebackers in 1999, then taking over as the secondary coach and special teams coordinator from 2000-02.
One of the top players in Clarion history, Niedbala was inducted into the Clarion Athletic Hall of Fame this past May. He was a three-time All-American at free safety and strong safety from 1994-96. He was a consensus first team All-American in 1996, including Associated Press Little All-America after posting 106 tackles, 100 solo, with 20 passes broken up, 4 tackles for losses and a pair of interceptions. A captain on the ‘96 team, he helped the Golden Eagles finish with an 11-3 record. Clarion won the East Region title and advanced to the Division II semifinals before suffering a 19-18 loss to eventual national champion Northern Colorado. Clarion was awarded the ECAC Lambert Cup.
Niedbala recorded 117 tackles, 9 passes broken up, and had 5 interceptions in 1995, earning second team Associated Press Little All-America honors and second team Football Gazette All-American accolades. In 1994, he had 98 tackles, 6 tackles for losses, 4 interceptions and 3 sacks.
Niedbala concluded his career with 407 tackles, 34 passes broken up, 12 interceptions, 11 tackles for losses and 8 fumble recoveries. He was selected to play in the Snow Bowl following his senior season. In all, he earned first team All-PSAC West honors his final three years.
A native of Beaver Falls, PA, Niedbala was a former standout in football and basketball at Beaver Falls High School. He was the point guard on a fabled basketball team that showcased former University of North Carolina standout Dante Calabria.
Niedbala received his bachelor’s degree in Geography from Clarion in 1996. He began his coaching career at Glenville State, serving as the secondary coach during the 1997 and ‘98 campaigns.
Niedbala and his wife, Melissa, reside in Meadville, PA with their six-year-old daughter Isabel and four-year-old son Isaac.
