Slippery Rock University's head football coach, Shawn Lutz, has announced significant staffing changes for the 2024 season, including former wide receivers coach Joe Marella transitioning to the role of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and former defensive backs coach Cedric Whitaker assuming the position of special teams coordinator. Additionally, Chris Parry, a former West Virginia wide receiver, has joined the staff as the new wide receivers coach. These changes are a result of the former offensive coordinator, Drew Moulton, departing for a coaching position at Division I Western Michigan. Notably, Slippery Rock's recent offensive coordinators have consistently moved up to Division I positions, reflecting the program's success. The upcoming season will be Marella's fourth with SRU, and Whitaker, an alumnus of Texas Lutheran, will continue to coach the defensive backs while taking on the special teams coordinator role.

By the Numbers
  • Marella joined SRU in 2021 as the wide receivers coach and added pass game coordinator in 2022, as well as special teams coordinator in 2023.
  • Slippery Rock's success in the last three seasons includes producing standout wide receivers like Henry Litwin and Kyle Sheets, with the team being the only program in Division II to have two players with over 1,100 receiving yards in the last season.
  • Whitaker, a former NFL player, helped coach two SRU players to All-America honors in his first season on staff.
  • The new wide receivers coach, Chris Parry, brings experience from Thiel College, University of Pittsburgh, and Youngstown State, with notable achievements at each institution.
  • Slippery Rock is coming off a successful 12-2 season in 2023, which included a fifth straight PSAC West title and a fifth consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II Playoffs, ranking the team at No. 10 in Division II at the end of the year.
State of Play
  • The coaching staff changes reflect Slippery Rock's ability to develop and advance coaches to high-level positions in Division I football.
  • The upcoming season will mark a continuation of success for Marella and Whitaker in their respective roles, building on the program's strong track record.
What's Next

The upcoming 2024 season will be a test for the restructured coaching staff as they aim to continue the program's success and maintain their position as a powerhouse in Division II football.

Bottom Line

Slippery Rock University's football program faces an important transition following significant staffing changes, aiming to sustain its success under the leadership of new coaching appointments.