Michael Phelan Named F&M Head Football Coach

LANCASTER, Pa. – Franklin & Marshall football coach Michael Phelan has been elevated to the 40th head coach in the history of the Diplomats’ prestigious football program as announced by Director of Athletics & Recreation Lauren Packer Webster. Making an immediate impact on the team’s success, Phelan has helped the Diplomats’ climb the Centennial Conference standings during the past three seasons, headlined by back-to-back postseason victories in the Centennial-MAC Bowl Series.

“I am thrilled to be named the head football coach at Franklin & Marshall College,” said Phelan. “I want to thank Director of Athletics and Recreation Lauren Packer Webster, Vice President of Student Affairs Drew Stelljes, and the F&M administration for their trust and support. I am excited to get to work with our student-athletes and staff as we continue the proud tradition of Franklin & Marshall Football.”

Since assuming the role of defensive coordinator when he joined the staff for the 2022 season, Phelan’s unit has consistently ranked among the top defenses in all of Division III and the Centennial Conference. The defense improved every season under Phelan who was named one of the top defensive coordinators in the entire region by numerous rankings outlets following the 2024 season. The Franklin & Marshall defense ranked fourth in Division III in yards allowed per game (227.1) this past season while allowing just 13.1 points per game. The Diplomats were also seventh nationally in first downs allowed (143) and ninth in rushing yards allowed per game (62.3) during a season that was capped with a 7-0 bowl victory against Delaware Valley.

“Coach Phelan knows every detail of our football program, and most importantly, has built strong connections with our students and prospective students in his role as recruiting coordinator and defensive coordinator,” stated Packer Webster. “His love for F&M and our students’ success is unwavering. He’s incredibly dedicated and committed to build upon the existing foundation for continued program success.”

Phelan mentored 17 All-Centennial Conference players on the defensive side of the ball during his three seasons as a coordinator at F&M. That group of standout individuals includes All-American Justin Gerhart ’24 who led all of Division III in interceptions during the 2022 season to become the Diplomats’ first All-American in nine years. In that 2022 season, F&M ranked among the top 20 teams in the country for total interceptions and had one of the top performing units in turnover margin. Over the past three seasons, Franklin & Marshall has ranked in the top 25 nationally in passing efficiency defense, red zone defense, and defensive touchdowns. Those defensive efforts have helped the Diplomats compile a 21-11 record, including an 11-8 mark in Centennial Conference contests.

Phelan has additionally brought immense talent to Lancaster while overseeing the team’s recruiting efforts. Prior to both the 2023 and 2024 season, Phelan led recruiting efforts that brought over 30 talented scholar-athletes to the Diplomats. Many of those players have gone on to make an instant impact during the back-to-back bowl series victories. Those student-athletes have also excelled in the classroom with 62 Diplomats being named to Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll since the start of the 2022 season.

Phelan joined the F&M staff after spending three years coaching at his alma mater, St. Lawrence University. Originally hired to work with the defense, Phelan earned the promotion to Special Teams Coach/Recruiting Coordinator during the 2021 season before joining the Diplomats’ coaching staff the following year.

The Saints made tremendous strides during Phelan’s tenure and became increasingly competitive in a strong Liberty League. Working with the defense during the 2019 season, Phelan helped St. Lawrence more than double its win total from the previous season while making significant statistical improvements in points allowed, total yards allowed, and time of possession. Working primarily with the safeties, the defense came away with 14 interceptions as six of the team’s 11 all-conference selections came from the defensive side of the ball. Taking over the special teams for the 2021 season, the Saints ranked in the top five nationally in both kick return and punt return defense while seven players were selected to the All-Liberty League team.

Prior to St. Lawrence, Phelan served as a graduate assistant with Castleton University for the 2017 and 2018 seasons where he worked with the team’s wide receivers. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Phelan earned his master’s degree in athletic leadership while at Castleton.

A defensive back for St. Lawrence during his playing career, Phelan was part of a Saints’ defense that led the nation in team passing efficiency defense as a senior in 2014. He also helped St. Lawrence attain a top-10 national ranking in total defense, turnover margin, and scoring defense. After obtaining his undergraduate degree in government in 2015, Phelan went on to earn his master’s degree in educational leadership from St. Lawrence in 2021.

What they are saying about Coach Phelan’s Hiring

“Coach Phelan is an outstanding football coach and an even better person. He is the ideal leader to guide F&M Football into an exciting new chapter. Coach Phelan cares deeply for each student-athlete he coaches, helping them improve every step of the way.”

• Tom Blumenauer, Head Football Coach; SUNY Cortland and former F&M head football coach, 2022-24 seasons

“Mike is the perfect choice to lead Franklin & Marshall football into the future. His track record as a defensive coordinator is proven to be one of the best in the country. He is a tireless recruiter, who will bring in the type of student-athletes who will grow the program on and off the field. The Dips are in great hands.”

• Dan Hunt, Offensive Coordinator; Lehigh

“I could not be more excited for Coach Phelan to be named the next head coach for F&M football. Coach Phelan not only listens to his players, but he also pushes them to be the best versions of themselves—both on and off the field. I learned so much under Coach Phelan’s guidance, from his game plans, to discipline, hard work, and integrity. His knowledge of the game and his ability to connect with players is unmatched. He consistently challenged us to grow as players, but more importantly, he helped shape us into better men. I can’t wait to watch the success Coach Phelan has leading the Diplomats into the future.”

• Justin Gerhart ’24, All-American Defensive Back; Franklin & Marshall College