Duquesne University football coach Jerry Schmitt announced today the retirement of Director of Football Operations/Recruiting Coordinator John Rosato. The announcement comes on the heels of Duquesne's football team winning its first outright Northeast Conference Championship and the program's first appearance in the Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs.

"No amount of words can describe the impact that Coach Rosato has made on the Dukes football program." said Schmitt. "He has had a positive influence on the lives of so many players, coaches, and staff members. He has also made a great impact on my personal coaching career. John was a most vital part of our program and I'm glad his career at Duquesne culminated with a conference championship and first ever NCAA FCS playoff appearance. We thank John for his service and certainly wish him nothing but the best as he transitions to retirement."

Rosato, a 1973 Duquesne alumnus, just completed his 30th season as a Duquesne football staff member. During the past 18 years, he was involved with all aspects of the program including recruiting, on-field coaching, part-time personnel oversight and alumni coordination. He previously coached wide receivers, tight ends and running backs prior to assuming his current position. He helped oversee the program evolve from a club team to a Division III squad to a Division I-AA newcomer to an annual FCS playoff contender.

Rosato, who also served as a board member in the former Dukes Court Athletic Association, was honored for his commitment to the athletics program with his induction to the Duquesne Sports Hall of Fame in November 2007. He was also inducted into the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in April of 2011 along with former University of Pittsburgh and Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino.

Duquesne, which is coming off its third Northeast Conference title in five years, finished the 2015 season 8-4 (5-1 NEC) and opens the 2016 campaign on Thursday, Sept. 1 at Youngstown State.