Aug. 3, 2010
PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University head football coach Jerry Schmitt announced today that Dwain Painter, who has over 30 years of coaching experience at the college and professional levels, and Michael Craig, who brings eight years of Northeast Conference playing and coaching experience, have been added to the coaching staff.
Painter, who spent the past two seasons as quality control coach at California University of Pennsylvania, will serve as an offensive assistant. Craig, the linebackers coach at Saint Francis, Pa. for the past four seasons, will serve as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator.
In addition, Schmitt announced that second-year assistant
Matt Stansfield, who worked primarily with the DU running backs last season, has added the title of run game coordinator for 2010.
Painter, a native of Monroeville, Pa., coached at the collegiate level for 17 years before joining Chuck Noll's staff as receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1988-91.
In addition to his time with the Steelers, the 68-year-old Painter has worked with the Indianapolis Colts (1992-93), San Diego Chargers (1994-96), Denver Broncos (1997), Dallas Cowboys (1998-99) and NFL Europe's Frankfurt Galaxy (2001-04). In 1994, he was a member of the Chargers' coaching staff when they made their first Super Bowl appearance. Painter returned to the Super Bowl in January of 1998 as a part of the Broncos' staff when Denver won Super Bowl XXXII over the Green Bay Packers.
Painter got his start in coaching at San Jose State in 1971. He's also held assistant jobs at the College of San Mateo (1973), BYU (1974-75), UCLA (1976-78), Georgia Tech (1982-85), Texas (1986) and Illinois (1987). He was the head coach at Northern Arizona from 1979-81 prior to his stint at Georgia Tech.
"Dwain Painter is an excellent teacher and a quality person," said Schmitt. "Our players and staff on both sides of the ball will benefit immensely from his vast experience and knowledge of the game. We are fortunate to have him as part of our staff."
Craig, who also served as special teams and strength and conditioning coach for Saint Francis, is reunited with first-year DU defensive coordinator
Dave Opfar who served as head coach at SFU for the past eight seasons.
Two of Craig's pupils at Saint Francis, returning seniors Scott Lewis and Matthew Parker, enter this season ranked first and fourth nationally in career tackles per game.
A native of nearby Imperial, Pa., Craig attended West Allegheny High School before going on to start for four years at linebacker for Saint Francis. He was a Red Flash team captain in 2003, 2004 & 2005.
"Special teams is such an important part of the game of football and an area we are looking to excel at under the leadership of coach Craig," said Schmitt. "Mike has valuable experience coordinating special teams in the Northeast Conference and has done an excellent job installing his philosophy in spring practice."
Stansfield a former two-year starter at center for the Dukes (2003-07) got his start in coaching at Howard University where he coached the defensive line in 2008.
"Matt was a `coach on the field' for us as a player and that has made his transition to coaching a smooth one," said Schmitt. "His work ethic, preparation and understanding of our run game has earned him the respect of our staff and benefitted our young backs last season."
Duquesne players report to fall camp on Sunday, August, 8 with the first practice scheduled for 7:30 p.m. that evening on Rooney Field.
DU opens the 2010 season at home versus Bucknell on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 6:00 p.m.
