Recruiting Area: Greater Northwest Houston
Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton joined the Bearkat football coaching staff for the 2018 season, taking over as offensive line coach. He took over after four years overseeing the Bucknell offensive line and also serves as run game coordinator.
Under Stapleton, the Bearkat offensive line produced a pair of all-SLC selections in 2019, including first teamer Colby Thomas. Tyler Edwards also earned third team honors, helping pave the way for second team running back Donovan Williams who finished second in the league in rushing with 925 yards and 14 touchdowns.
In 2016, Stapleton coached Julién Davenport, who captured First Team All-America honors from the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp Foundation and STATS. Also a four-time All-Patriot League selection, Davenport became Bucknell’s first NFL Draft pick since 1969 when he was taken in the fourth round by the Houston Texans.
The offensive line coach at Pace University for six months prior to joining the Bucknell staff, Stapleton completed two years as a graduate assistant at Rutgers, working closely with an offensive line that ranked in the top 10 nationally in fewest sacks allowed in 2012. The Scarlet Knights went to two bowl games during Stapleton’s tenure, which also included a Big East title.
Joe Susan was an assistant coach at Rutgers from 2001 to 2009 and was on staff when Stapleton joined the Rutgers program in 2005 after two years at Hudson Valley Community College. He started all 25 games at center during his two years at Rutgers, earning recognition as a finalist for the Rimington Trophy as a senior. Stapleton anchored an offensive line that blocked for future NFL Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice.
Stapleton graduated from Rutgers in 2007 with a degree in business and labor relations.
Stapleton was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007 to 2010 and was on the squad that won Super Bowl XLIII at the conclusion of the 2008 campaign. He started 18 games on the offensive line during his time in Pittsburgh, including the Super Bowl. Overall, he played in 26 career games with the Steelers.
Stapleton’s coaching career started in 2011 with the New York Sharks, a women’s professional football team. He followed that stint with one season coaching both the offensive and defensive lines at Montclair Kimberly Academy. The squad posted a 9-2 mark, surpassing the program record for wins by three.
