11/3/25

Scranton, Pa. – Lackawanna College announced today the retirement of Head Football Coach Mark Duda, effective at the end of the 2025 season. After much consideration and consultation with his family, Coach Duda made the difficult decision to step away from coaching following a recent diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Coach Duda joined Lackawanna College's football program at its inception in 1993, serving as defensive coordinator. A year later in 1994, he accepted the position of Head Coach, which he has held for 32 seasons. Coach Duda is the active wins leader in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with 217 career victories. He has produced over 450 NCAA Division I athletes and helped produce more than 25 players who went on to sign NFL contracts. Coach Duda will remain connected to the College and the Athletic Department as an athletic advisor. 

"Coach Duda's retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to shape the culture and spirit of Lackawanna College for generations to come," said Dr. Jill A. Murray, President and Chief Innovation Officer of Lackawanna College. "We fully support him in his decision to retire and prioritize his health and wellness, and we are incredibly grateful for his years of leadership, tireless dedication, and for being the heart and soul of our Falcon Football Program for more than three decades." 

Before his time at Lackawanna College, Coach Duda was a standout athlete of his own. He set a school record of 13 sacks during his senior season at the University of Maryland, which proudly stood until 2015. Following his collegiate career, Coach Duda was selected with the 96th overall pick in the 4th round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played five seasons in the NFL, starting 34 games and appearing in 55, recording 9.5 sacks.  

"Our football program would not be where it is today without Coach Duda. He's been pivotal in our continued growth and transition from the NJCAA to the NCAA Division II," said Erik Larson, Lackawanna College Director of Athletics. "Coach Duda has made a tremendous and lasting impact on the lives of every athlete who's stepped on our field and every person who's had the pleasure to work with him in our Athletic Department. We thank him for his service, dedication and unwavering support for our football program." 

For more information, visit Lackawanna.edu.  

Read a letter from Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray, Ph.D. HERE.

About Lackawanna College 

Founded in 1894, Lackawanna College is the largest private, non-profit, open-enrollment institution in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, dedicated to delivering high-quality education and empowering individuals in their pursuit of personal growth and community enrichment. The College offers over 60 academic programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and continuing education and professional certificates. In addition, Lackawanna College is committed to workforce development, educating and preparing workers for advancement in fields such as healthcare, finance, technology and the trades. 

Along with its main Scranton campus, the College's geographic reach extends across ten other locations across Pennsylvania and online. In 2024, Lackawanna College announced its intent to merge with Peirce College, based in Philadelphia. On June 30, 2025, the merger was approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the two institutions have since entered the integration phase required by the U.S. Department of Education. Lackawanna College is a nine-time recipient of the "Best Places to Work" recognition and was named a "Great College to Work For" in 2023 and 2024. In 2021, Lackawanna College was recognized as one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company and as one of the "Fastest-Growing Private, Nonprofit Colleges" by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The College remains focused on delivering accessible and practical education for individuals seeking to better their lives and contribute positively to their communities. To learn more, visit lackawanna.edu.  
 

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