|
| Alvernia athletics photo |
Alvernia athletic director Cory Beddick announced on Tuesday the hiring of Steve Devlin as Alvernia University’s next head coach of the football program.
Devlin comes to Alvernia after spending the last eight seasons as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator for Ursinus. Prior to his time at Ursinus, Devlin spent 11 years as the head coach of Archbishop Wood High School in the Philadelphia Catholic League.
“We could not be more proud to announce Coach Devlin as our next head football coach,” said Beddick. “We recognize how important this hire is to the University, and we believe we have everything in place for Coach Devlin and his staff to turn our football team into a championship caliber program while developing our student-athletes on and off the field.”
During Devlin’s time with Ursinus, the Bears went 53-23 overall and 34-21 in Centennial Conference play. Ursinus received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament in 2024 following a 9-1 regular season. That NCAA appearance marked Ursinus’ first in the NCAA tournament since 1999. Ursinus also made five MAC-Centennial Bowl appearances during Devlin’s time with the team, winning four of the five bowl matchups.
“My family and I are very excited to join the Alvernia community,” said Devlin. “I am really looking forward to building the program to compete at a high level and give our student-athletes a great experience at Alvernia.”
The Ursinus defense has posted historic numbers under Devlin’s guidance. The 2025 Ursinus defense finished second in the NCAA with 21 interceptions. In 2024, the Bear’s defense led the nation in third down defense, and in 2023 the Ursinus defense finished as the top performing defense in the Centennial Conference. In 2022, the Bears led the nation in fumbles recovered. During his tenure, Devlin coached 31 All-Centennial honorees - including the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-American, Ryan Bodolus.
“Coach Devlin’s passion for football, recruiting, and student-athlete development is exactly what we need at this time,” added Beddick. “His deep ties to eastern Pennsylvania and our region bring immediate credibility to our program. We believe that he is the right man to lead our program to competitiveness and success.”
Prior to joining the Ursinus staff in 2018, Devlin had an incredible run for 11 years as the head coach of Archbishop Wood High School in Philadelphia. As the head coach of the Vikings, Devlin amassed a 132-22-1 overall record. He led Archbishop Wood to PIAA State titles in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. The Vikings were PIAA State runners-up in 2008 and 2012. Devlin led the Vikings to ten straight Philadelphia Catholic League titles.
Devlin was named the 2014 USA Today Pennsylvania Coach of the Year, and was the 2013 Associated Press Pennsylvania Coach of the Year. He was a six time Philadelphia Catholic League Coach of the Year. Devlin has three Archbishop Wood football alumni that currently play in the NFL - Kyle Pitts, a tight end for the Atlanta Falcons, Ryan Bates, a center for the Chicago Bears, and Raheem Blackshear, a running back most recently with the Carolina Panthers.
“Coach Devlin has won everywhere he has been,” added Beddick. “We know he will put together a first-class coaching staff that will consist of high quality individuals, teachers and passionate coaches that will recruit and develop our football student-athletes.”
“I cannot wait to get started working with the current players on the team and recruiting the best and brightest to join our University and football program,” said Devlin. “I am looking forward to competing and developing a winning culture on and off the field.”
“I would like to thank Cory Beddick and John McCloskey for sharing their vision for Alvernia and giving me the opportunity to be the next head football coach,” added Devlin. “I would also like to thank [Ursinus Head Coach] Pete Gallagher and his wife Stacy for bringing me into their family at Ursinus, and would like to thank all the players and coaches at Ursinus as I loved being their coach and working with them every day. Finally, I would like to thank my entire family for their unconditional support - especially my wife, Sue, who has always been right by my side and supported my journey as a football coach. Her support means the world to me.”
Devlin was a member of the Lycoming College football team that made an appearance in the 1990 Stagg Bowl - the Division III National Championship. Devlin, and his wife, Sue, reside in Philadelphia. They have three children and five grandchildren.
“I would like to thank the numerous members of the campus community that helped with this hiring process,” added Beddick. “We know that it will take our entire community, working together, to help us succeed on and off the field. Please join me in welcoming Coach Devlin and his family to the Alvernia community.”
Devlin begins his tenure with Alvernia immediately. The Golden Wolves will open their first season under Devlin - and eighth season overall - in September of 2026.