SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Drew Gallardy '10 has been named the head football coach at Shippensburg University, effective immediately.
 
"I don't know what else I could ask the universe for, because I've achieved a career goal at a place that has been so transformative to me," Gallardy said. "I want to truly acknowledge everyone involved, because while our campus leadership was doing what is required in identifying the next head coach of Shippensburg University Football, in this instance they also helped someone realize a lifelong dream."
 
Gallardy served as SU's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach last season after first joining the staff in 2024. The 2026 season will be his third overall with the Raiders and his 17th as a collegiate coach.
 
"This university gave me everything, and now it is my turn to give everything back," Gallardy said.
 
It is a full-circle moment for Gallardy, who played in 37 games as a Raider lineman from 2007-2010. He started twelve games at right tackle in 2009 for an SU squad that won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) State Game and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

"Drew Gallardy represents the very best of Shippensburg University," said Dr. Charles E. Patterson, president of Shippensburg University. "As a proud alumnus, former team captain, and proven leader, he brings deep respect for our traditions and a clear vision for the future of Raider Football. Coach Gallardy understands what it means to develop young men as students, athletes, and leaders, exemplifying the values of Shippensburg University Raider Football and our campus community."
 
"I am tremendously excited for Drew that his first collegiate head coaching job is at his alma mater," director of athletics Jeff Michaels said. "His passion for Shippensburg University and this football program is unparalleled. He has direct ties to our past success when he was a player and will be able to use those experiences when leading the next generation of Raider Football." 
 
Michaels added: "What sets him apart as a coach is his tremendous ability to connect with students. He also has shown an ability to adapt to change, which is extremely important in the current athletics landscape." 
 
Gallardy has spent 16 seasons as an assistant coach and brings a unique perspective of having served as both an offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator within the last four years.

In 2024, Gallardy returned to Shippensburg to coach the offensive line after spending three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Alfred State University. The Pioneers qualified for the 2023 NCAA Division III Football Championships and won the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) title in his final season with the team.
 
Before his time in upstate New York, Gallardy spent eight years at Juniata College. He was the Eagles' defensive coordinator in his final two seasons after previously serving as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator.

"President Patterson, Jeff Michaels, Carrie Michaels, Ashley Grimm, the search committee, our campus community, and the athletic department as a whole—today is a reality because of the continued work and dedication you display every single day," Gallardy said. "Anyone involved in this search could see the professionalism and passion these individuals have for Shippensburg University and for identifying the next head football coach. You did more than assign a responsibility—you helped someone turn inspiration into achievement. I will never find the proper words to fully express my gratitude."
 
This appointment completes a comprehensive national search that began in mid-November.
 
"The football landscape is very unique and vastly different from the sport we grew up playing," Gallardy said. "We will adjust our approach in many areas, especially recruiting and retention, to modernize our program, adapt to the current climate, and compete for championships."
 
Gallardy replaces Mark 'Mac' Maciejewski, who retired at the end of the 2025 season, and becomes Shippensburg University's third head football coach in the last 36 years.
 
Maciejewski guided the Raiders to 88 victories in his 15 years (14 seasons) as the Raider head coach and spent 32 years overall at SU as either a player or coach. Prior to Maciejewski, Rocky Rees led Shippensburg to 121 victories in 21 seasons (1990-2010).
 
Gallardy served as a senior captain under Rees in 2010; his final game as a player was Rees' final game as a head coach.
 
"While today brings joy and excitement, I also recognize that another climb begins," Gallardy said. "My calling is to honor Coach Rees, Coach Mac, and Shippensburg University by upholding the Shippensburg Standard. It has been passed down to me, and it is my responsibility to carry it forward."
 
Gallardy At-A-Glance

Alma Mater: Shippensburg '10
Family: Wife, Mary; Sons, Elam, Abram and Ira
Years in Coaching (College): 16

Coaching Experience:

Shippensburg University
2025 Assistant Coach – Offensive Coordinator / Offensive Line
2024 Assistant Coach – Offensive Line
 
Alfred State University
2020-23 Assistant Coach – Defensive Coordinator
 
Juniata College
2018-19 Assistant Coach – Defensive Coordinator
2015-17 Assistant Coach – Linebackers / Recruiting Coordinator
2013-14 Assistant Coach – Linebackers / Recruiting Coordinator / Video Coordinator
2012 Assistant Coach Intern – Outside Linebackers

Playing Experience:
 
Shippensburg University
2010 Senior Captain
2007-10 Offensive and Defensive Line - 37 games, 33 starts