Kevin Donley Retires After 27 Seasons at Saint Francis, Sherman Steps In as Only Second Head Coach in Program History

Kevin Donley, the architect of the University of Saint Francis (USF) football program and one of the most successful coaches in college football history, has stepped down after 27 seasons at the helm. The announcement, made Thursday evening by the university, marks the end of a legendary coaching career that helped transform USF into a small-college football powerhouse.

Donley, who was hired to launch the program in 1997, amassed an extraordinary 240-72 record with the Cougars, including back-to-back NAIA national championships in 2016 and 2017. His overall collegiate coaching résumé includes 356 victories, placing him fifth on the all-time wins list among college head coaches across all divisions.

From Founding Vision to Championship Legacy

When Donley was appointed in the mid-1990s, USF had no football team, no players, and no facilities. What followed over nearly three decades was a sustained ascent that saw the Cougars become perennial contenders on the NAIA national stage. Donley’s tenure was defined by consistency, innovation, and an ability to cultivate both talent and culture.

• 27 seasons as head coach at USF

• 240 wins with the Cougars

• 2 national titles (2016, 2017)

• Fifth-most wins in college football history (356)

• Inaugural season: 1997

Donley’s coaching legacy spans over four decades and includes earlier stints at Anderson University and Georgetown College before his transformative run in Fort Wayne. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame and widely regarded as a mentor and innovator within the small-college football community.

A New Era: Adam Sherman Promoted to Head Coach

Stepping into Donley’s shoes is a familiar face: Adam Sherman, who has served as USF’s offensive coordinator and was an All-American offensive lineman during his playing days with the Cougars.

Sherman becomes only the second head coach in the history of the Saint Francis football program, and his appointment is effective immediately.

Described by players as both demanding and deeply committed, Sherman has been with the program in various coaching roles for more than a decade, and he is credited with engineering the high-powered offenses that fueled USF’s title runs and playoff berths in recent years.

Leadership with Deep Roots

Sherman’s deep ties to the program — as both a player and a coach — have made him a natural successor in the eyes of many around the USF community.

“Adam knows what this program means — not just on the field, but to the university, the alumni, and the Fort Wayne community,” one longtime assistant coach said. “There’s no one better positioned to carry the torch forward.”

The university will formally introduce Sherman as head coach at a press conference scheduled for next week.

Program Stability Amid Transition

USF administrators emphasized the importance of continuity, noting that Sherman’s promotion ensures a smooth transition while preserving the values and systems established under Donley.

While many programs face instability following the departure of a figure as towering as Donley, Saint Francis is aiming for a “next chapter” approach that honors the past while preparing for the future.

Sherman inherits a program that still commands respect at the national level, with a robust pipeline of talent, strong support infrastructure, and high expectations. How he navigates the post-Donley era will shape the Cougars’ identity for years to come.