Paul Wiedlich began his Lackawanna College career in 2021 as linebackers coach. He is entering his fifth season at Lackawanna College for the 2025 campaign, and is in charge of the Linebackers once again for the Falcons.
2024's Lackawanna squad was led by a trio of impressive linebackers for the Falcons. Andrew Marshall led the team with 59 total tackles, also leading the Falcons with 13.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 sacks. Gene Townsel was second on the team with 55 total tackles, compiling 37 solos (tied with Marshall for first) and posting ten tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, while also forcing three fumbles. Nyair Graham had 45 total tackles and 13.5 tackles-for-loss, tied with Marshall for the team-high. The defensive unit gave up 20 points per game and allowed 218.1 yards of offense per game to the opponent. The Falcons had 41.5 sacks as a whole. Marshall earned a scholarship at FBS Eastern Michigan University, while Graham went to Division I HBCU Alcorn State and Townsel ended up at Division I Stonehill College.
2023's Falcons gave up 20.3 points per game, allowing 264.7 yards of offense to opponents. Lackawanna had 27 sacks as a team last season, 12 of which came from the defensive line, where Wiedlich was coaching at the time, while the d-line also compiled 31.5 tackles-for-loss.
In 2022 Paul helped NT Najae Hallenbeck to an FCS scholarship at Wagner University. It was Hallenbeck's first year as a defensive lineman, having previously been recruited for the offensive side of the ball. The Falcons were a stingy defense up front, giving up only 55.7 yards on the ground per game, and Wiedlich helped guide the defense to 44 sacks, almost half coming from the defensive line.
Prior to Lackawanna, Paul served as the head football coach at GAR Memorial High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Paul was wildly successful at GAR posting a record of 54-37 with two PIAA District II titles, two appearances in the PIAA State Quarterfinals, and seven total PIAA District II playoff appearances. He guided the Grenadiers to back-to-back eleven-win seasons in 2010 and 2011, helping take GAR to the PIAA Class AA playoffs in back-to-back years. Wiedlich was the last coach in GAR's long, storied football history, coaching his final season with his alma mater in 2018.
Paul is a graduate of Kings College, earning a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Paul has one daughter, Emily, and one son, Aiden, and is employed by the Wilkes-Barre Area School District.
