Defensive Coordinator
3rd Year
Slippery Rock '13
Tony Papley joined the Edinboro football coaching staff as Defensive Coordinator in March 2020 after building a reputation as of one of the state’s top recruiters and defensive line coaches. The 2023 season will mark the third season in charge of the defense for the Fighting Scots.
In his two seasons as Defensive Coordinator at the Boro, five players have earned All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division accolades including one from each level of the defense. Defense lineman Tarique Smith and Derian Smith were both second team selections in 2021, linebacker Clay Cunningham was a second team selection in 2022, and defensive backs DeAndre Dowdell and Allen Stritzinger were first and second team selections in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Papley’s imprint on the Fighting Scot defense has been evident, utilizing multiple schemes – 4-3, 4-2-5, and 3-High safeties – to confound the high-powered PSAC offenses. The “Money” safety position implemented in his odd front pressure package has garnered All-PSAC recognition each of the first two seasons.
In 2022, Edinboro’s defense ranked in the top-50 nationally in defensive touchdowns (22nd), interceptions (34th), tackles for loss (40th), passing yards allowed (42nd), turnovers gained (46th), and third down conversion percentage defense (47th). Following Edinboro’s 16-13 win over rival Mercyhurst, defensive lineman J.R. Tellington was named PSAC Defensive Player of the Week tallying 11 tackles, one and a half tackles for loss, and scored the only touchdown of the game when he intercepted a pass taking it in for a defensive score.
In 2021, the Fighting Scot Defense saw dramatic improvements in red zone defense ranking 26th nationally improving one hundred and thirty-three spots from the previous season, while also shaving 3.5 points from opponents scoring total (24.1 average). Led by Papley, the Fighting Scots field goal block unit finished the season ranked first in all of Division II denying twelve kicks on the season.
Prior to arriving at Edinboro, Papley served as the Special Teams Coordinator, Defensive Line coach and Director of Football Operations for Division I (FCS) Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. During his six seasons at Duquesne, the Dukes cemented themselves as a force in the Northeast Conference, winning the NEC conference three times, earning an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs twice, and posted a 25-12 conference record. Noteworthy, the 2018 Dukes football team is the most successful FCS season in Duquesne football history winning the conference, securing an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, and tabbing the programs first ever playoff victory over Towson. Notably, Papley and Head Coach Jake Nulph were on the defensive staff together in 2018.
At Duquesne, Papley tutored eight All-Conference selections. Defensive lineman Kam Carter (’18 & ’19), Andy Struttmann (’16 & ’17), and Zach Zidian (’14 & ’15) were each named All-NEC defensive lineman multiple seasons. While defensive lineman Chris Favoroso (’19), Jalen Booker (’18), Nate Stone (’17), and Jake Radziukinas (’16) earned All-NEC honors under Papley’s tutelage. During the one season as Special Teams Coordinator, Papley’s punt return unit was ranked 12th in the country led by return specialist Mark Allen (’19), who earned All-NEC honors as a return specialist following the 2019 season.
On the administrative front, Papley also served as the director of football operations for the Duquesne football program for five years. He oversaw the operating budget specifically for team travel, apparel & equipment ordering, recruiting expenses, and fundraising for the programs annual golf outing. In addition, Papley managed the teams recruiting database, communication software, and video exchange/input. He also served as the supervisor for graduate assistants and work study interns. One of the most impactful roles was coordination for the programs “Be the Match” Bone Marrow Registry drive, which Papley assists here on Edinboro’s campus. In 2017, Duquesne’s registry drive signed up 777 new registrants and was recognized as the country’s National Champion at the AFCA National Convention.
Upon arrival on the Bluff of Duquesne, Papley played collegiately at Slippery Rock University, where he was a three-year letter winner at defensive tackle. Papley appeared in 38 games, starting 25 of those contests, finishing his career with 140 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks. He was named first team All-PSAC West honors as a senior as well as Don Hansen Football Gazette All-Super Region 1 honors. He was a part of two Western Division championship teams as a player.
Papley along his wife Mara and their two daughters Talena, and Leola, reside in Edinboro.
