Football | November 24, 2025

PHILADELPHIA – Ray Priore, the George A. Munger Head Football Coach at Penn, announced today that he is stepping down from his position following 11 years as the Quakers head coach and 39 years with the program.
 
"I'm grateful for Ray's leadership and service to Penn football and to generations of student-athletes, staff, and alumni," said Alanna Wren, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics and Recreation. "Few individuals have given more of themselves to this program. Ray's integrity, mentorship, and deep commitment to the student-athlete experience have shaped Penn Football in meaningful and lasting ways. His engagement in the broader Penn and Philadelphia communities through fundraising efforts, service partnerships, and initiatives like Be The Match reflects the values he brings to every part of his work. It has been a privilege to work alongside him for nearly twenty years. We thank Ray for all he has poured into Penn, and I wish him and his family the very best moving forward."
 
"To say coaching at the University of Pennsylvania has been the honor of a lifetime is an understatement," Priore said. "Penn has been my second home for 39 years, the last 11 of which I have had the privilege of serving as the head football coach. The end of this season marked my final game, and closing this chapter with a win is something I will carry with me forever. While it's hard to step away from the program I hold so dear to my heart, I know this is the right time.
 
"To all the players and staff I have had the great fortune of coaching alongside, thank you for trusting in me, working with me, and inspiring me. To all of our dedicated alumni, fans, and families, thank you for embracing, supporting, and helping me ensure our program's success and future."
 
Priore was named head coach on December 1, 2014, and went on to lead the Quakers to Ivy League championships in 2015 and 2016. Since arriving in University City in 1987 as an assistant coach, he has helped guide Penn to 12 Ivy League titles, including five between 2000 and 2010. His record as head coach is 58–42 overall and 37–32 in Ivy League play.
 
"Together with the Penn Football Family, I could never have imagined the bonds formed, the heights reached, and the legacy we have helped strengthen," Priore continued. "I feel tremendous pride being a part of the tradition, honor, integrity, and resilience that is Penn Football.
 
"In my tenure, I found the greatest joy in connecting with others and making a meaningful difference in their lives, and I look forward to continuing to pursue this passion, while also dedicating more time to my family. At this time, I leave with a full heart and immense gratitude for what we accomplished together, and I wish Penn Football nothing but continued success!"
 
Over his tenure as head coach, Priore recruited and coached 94 All-Ivy League honorees, 10 All-Americans, three Ivy League Players of the Year, and one NFL Draft pick (Justin Watson, 2018). Three additional Quakers signed NFL free-agent contracts after completing their Penn careers. Priore's 39 years at Penn began as an assistant linebackers coach in 1987 and included time as recruiting coordinator (1992-05), defensive coordinator (1999-14), and associate head coach (2006-14).
 
Off the field, Priore played an essential role in fundraising for the Coulson Family Training Complex at Franklin Field, which features new locker rooms and meeting facilities for Penn Football. He also supported annual fundraising and endowment efforts, partnered with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation to welcome the inspirational Vhito DeCapria as the program's first-ever team captain in 2015, and continued Penn's long-standing commitment to the Be The Match bone marrow registry drive. Throughout his career, Priore has been a respected leader and collaborator across Penn Athletics and the University community.
 
A national search for the next head coach will begin immediately, which will be assisted by Parker Executive Search.  For more information, contact Daniel Parker at Parker Executive Search at danielparker@parkersearch.com or 770-804-1996 extension 116.