FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Kevin Donley, who founded the University of Saint Francis (USF) football program and led it to two national championships and 240 wins, is ending his coaching career at the university.
Over 28 years at Saint Francis, USF says he compiled a 240-72 coaching record with National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) titles in 2016 and 2017. He was the winningest active coach in college football at the end of the 2024 season with an overall record of 356-157-1. Donley ranks fifth on the all-time list of winningest college football coaches in all divisions.
Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey expressed gratitude for Donley’s service to the university and its student-athletes.
“The university thanks Coach Donley for nearly 30 years of great memories as he turned Saint Francis into a household name in NAIA football,” Richey said. “In addition to the many wins and championships, the players who have gone on to lead impactful lives serve as a tribute to his influence and mentorship.”
USF released the following:
Saint Francis Offensive Coordinator Adam Sherman will become the second head football coach in school history, taking over the program immediately.
Donley, who won the NAIA Division II title at Georgetown (Ky.) in 1991, came to Fort Wayne to create the Saint Francis football program in 1997. He began the first of his 27 seasons on the field in 1998. Starting the program from scratch, he built the Cougars into a national contender in the NAIA almost immediately. The Cougars made five trips to the NAIA national championship game, with three runner-up finishes before breaking through with the consecutive titles.
The Cougars recorded their 14th conference title last fall, finishing 8-4 overall and 4-1 in the Mid-States Football Association Midwest League. Donley was named Midwest League Coach of the Year and Sherman was named Midwest League Assistant Coach of the Year.
Donley ranks fifth in all-time college coaching wins at any level, behind John Gagliardi, Joe Paterno, Eddie Robinson and Bobby Bowden.
Adam Sherman
Sherman is a Saint Francis alumnus who was an All-American offensive lineman and served as team captain for the Cougars in their first run to the national championship game in 2004. Before returning to Saint Francis as an assistant coach, Sherman coached collegiately at Marian and Walsh and was the head coach at Greenfield-Central High School for three years.
“I am honored and excited about becoming the head coach at my alma mater,” Sherman said. “Coach Donley established a tradition of excellence that is recognized throughout the NAIA and our goal will be to continue to build on that reputation. I look forward to helping our players thrive on and off the field as we embrace the Saint Francis mission of preparing students for personal and professional lives of virtue, service and joy.”
“We look forward to Coach Sherman carrying on the winning tradition of Saint Francis football and guiding our student-athletes through a rewarding college experience and strong preparation for their futures,” Richey said.
Saint Francis will hold an introductory news conference with Coach Adam Sherman next week.
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