Big news shaking up the college football scene—UAlbany has just appointed a coaching powerhouse who could redefine what it means to be a Great Dane! Imagine a leader who's turned underdogs into champions, and now he's bringing that magic to Albany. But here's where it gets controversial: Can someone with a Division III pedigree truly elevate a Division I program, or is this the bold move that finally breaks UAlbany's playoff drought? Stick around to find out why fans are buzzing and skeptics are questioning everything.
In a thrilling announcement from Albany, New York, the University at Albany's athletic department, led by Director Mark Benson, has proudly introduced Tom Perkovich as the newest head coach for the Great Danes football team. With more than 20 years of coaching under his belt, Perkovich steps in as the program's third-ever full-time head coach, marking a fresh chapter in a storied history.
Director of Athletics Mark Benson shared his enthusiasm, saying, 'We're absolutely delighted to bring Tom, along with his wife Brandi and their kids Georgia, Trey, and Reed, into the Great Dane fold! From the start of our search, we were looking for a proven leader with a history of real wins. That's exactly what we got in Coach Perk. His background shows he's a master at fostering a winning mindset and nurturing athletes both on and off the field. As a native New Yorker, his sharp strategic insights perfectly match our goals for this program's bright future. We're excited to watch him guide our young players toward becoming outstanding leaders, champs, and true Great Danes.'
Perkovich comes to UAlbany after an outstanding run at Susquehanna University, where he amassed an impressive 84-25 record across 10 seasons. Known affectionately as 'Coach Perk,' his team became a regular in national postseason talks, clinching four straight conference titles and earning spots in the NCAA Division III Championships from 2022 through 2025. During that unbeatable streak, the River Hawks dominated league games with a flawless 27-0 mark—think of it as a beginner's guide to dominance, where every play builds toward victory.
'It feels like an incredible privilege to take on the role of head football coach at the University at Albany,' Perkovich stated. 'I want to extend my deepest thanks to President Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, Director of Athletics Mark Benson, and Deputy AD Vic Cegles for their confidence in me and for this chance to steer such a prestigious program. I've always respected the high standards set by Coach Ford and Coach Gattuso, and I'm pumped to expand on that legacy. My wife Brandi and our children are thrilled to become part of the Capital Region and make Albany our new home. I can't wait to dive in and kick off this exciting era for Great Dane football.'
His coaching prowess earned him widespread acclaim, including the 2023 Andy Talley Regional Coach of the Year award from the Maxwell Football Club. This honor goes to the top high school or college coach in the Northeast, and it came hot on the heels of a 2022 season where Perkovich led the River Hawks to a 10-1 record, their initial Centennial Conference championship, and a berth in the NCAA Championship. He was celebrated at the Maxwell Football Club's National Awards Gala among a star-studded lineup featuring names like Jalen Hurts, Nick Sirianni, Joe Klecko, Caleb Williams, and Drake Maye.
Perkovich's knack for big games shines through in his postseason achievements, steadily climbing the ranks of national recognition. A highlight was the groundbreaking 2024 season, when the River Hawks notched their first NCAA Division III playoff wins in over 30 years. They defeated Hobart College in the second round, then pulled off a heart-stopping win against No. 3 Saint John’s University on a last-second field goal. Advancing further with a victory over No. 21 Bethel University, Perkovich's team reached the NCAA Division III Semifinals—the program's second appearance at that level ever. And this is the part most people miss: Imagine the pressure of those clutch moments; it's not just about plays, but building a team that thrives under the spotlight.
President Dr. Havidán Rodríguez added, 'We're overjoyed to have Coach Perkovich and his family join the UAlbany community. His proven ability to ready student-athletes for triumphs in all areas of life aligns perfectly with our values here. I'm certain his expertise and journey will connect deeply with everyone in our circle.'
In 2025, Coach Perkovich wrapped up his Susquehanna legacy with yet another powerhouse year, guiding the River Hawks to an 11-3 record. The offense exploded with 39.93 points per game, while the defense locked down opponents at just 17.79 points allowed, obliterating conference foes. The team powered through the first three rounds of the NCAA Division III Championship, beating Washington and Jefferson College, Christopher Newport University, and Eastern University to advance to the national quarterfinals. Under his direction, the 2025 squad claimed all major conference individual honors and boasted five Associated Press All-Americans—a testament to how a coach's vision can elevate players to elite status.
Before his time at Susquehanna, Perkovich spent close to a decade at Muhlenberg College in Eastern Pennsylvania. He began as a strength and conditioning coordinator and worked his way up to offensive coordinator. As part of a staff that posted a 39-11 record (a .780 win percentage), he oversaw an offense that shattered multiple school records, showing how focused development can turn good teams into great ones.
Hailing from Tonawanda, New York, Perkovich graduated from Canisius University in 2003. A versatile athlete, he became the first Golden Griffin since 1949 to earn letters in both football and basketball for all four years. On the football field, he was a three-year starter on the offensive line, named Team MVP, a First Team All-MAAC pick, and a Second Team All-American—proving early on that versatility and hustle can lead to lasting success.
Perkovich shares his life with his wife Brandi and their three children: Georgia, Trey, and Reed.
He takes over a program rooted in resilience and tough, no-nonsense football. Following in the footsteps of iconic coach Bob Ford, the 'architect' of UAlbany football who spent 44 seasons transforming a club team into a Division I powerhouse, Perkovich also succeeds Greg Gattuso. Gattuso steered the Great Danes into the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) era, securing their first FCS playoff victories and a memorable spot in the 2023 National Semifinals. By assuming this position, Perkovich enters a select group of leaders, charged with upholding the 'UAlbany Way'—a philosophy of grit and determination—while aiming for another CAA championship and a triumphant return to the FCS Playoffs. But here's where it gets controversial: Is the 'UAlbany Way' flexible enough to adapt to new strategies, or does tradition risk holding back innovation?
Perkovich will be officially unveiled as UAlbany's head football coach during a press event at the Broadview Center after the New Year.
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What do you think, fans? Does Perkovich's Division III success translate to Division I, or is this hire a game-changer that could finally put UAlbany back on the map? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the optimism, or see potential pitfalls? Let's discuss!
