Sprint Football | February 16, 2026

PHILADELPHIA – Jon Dupont, who has served as an assistant coach for Penn football for the past 20 years, has been named the William R. Wagner Head Coach of Sprint Football at Penn. During his tenure, Dupont helped the Quakers win five Ivy League championships and served as the program's recruiting coordinator for the past two seasons.

"We are excited to have Jon take the reins of our sprint football program," said Alanna Wren, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics and Recreation. "Jon has developed meaningful relationships with student-athletes and high school coaches during his career, is a skilled tactician, and has significant institutional knowledge from his 20 years on the Penn football staff. He will bring energy and enthusiasm as he tackles this new challenge with sprint football, and we look forward to increased competitiveness within the CSFL under his leadership."

Dupont arrived in University City in 2006 as the program's defensive backs coach, helping Penn to Ivy titles in 2009, 2010, and 2012 under head coach Al Bagnoli. He later moved to linebackers coach and was on staff for Penn's 2015 and 2016 Ivy championships under head coach Ray Priore. He was elevated to recruiting coordinator in 2024. In total, he helped develop 43 All-Ivy selections, including 14 First Team All-Ivy honorees.

"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next Head Sprint Football Coach at Penn," Dupont said. "I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Alanna Wren and the entire search committee for their trust and belief in my leadership. I am also deeply appreciative of my family, whose unwavering support throughout this process has meant everything to me. Penn Sprint Football has a proud and historic tradition, and I am incredibly excited to build upon that foundation. I look forward to leading our student athletes as we pursue competitive excellence on and off the field."

A skilled recruiter with national connections, Dupont helped secure the #12-ranked FCS recruiting class in 2017. He was the primary recruiter for current NFL wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl Champion Justin Watson, a 2017 Penn graduate, and Joey Slackman, who won the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

Dupont was also the coaching staff's admissions and financial aid, strength & conditioning, and NFL scouting liaison.

The Dansville, N.Y., native came to Penn after coaching for two seasons at Trinity College, where he worked with the defensive backs and defensive line.

Prior to Trinity, Dupont served two years as a defensive assistant coach at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He coached the defensive line in 2003 and the outside linebackers in 2002, while also serving as an assistant baseball coach both seasons.

Dupont was a four-year starter at linebacker and defensive back at St. Lawrence, earning All-Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) football honors in 2001. He was also a three-year starter on the St. Lawrence baseball squad, and was named the most valuable player of both the football and baseball teams in 2001-02.

Dupont earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from St. Lawrence in 2002 and received his Master's degree in economics at Trinity in 2006.

What They Are Saying About Jon Dupont
"For 20 years, Jon has been loyal, steady, and deeply committed to our players. Watching him earn this opportunity at Penn is incredibly rewarding. I'm proud of him and excited for what's ahead." - Ray Priore, George A. Munger Head Coach of Football at Penn (2015-25)

"Coach Dupont recruiting me to Penn changed the trajectory of my life. He leads with a rare mix of toughness and genuine care, pushing us to become better men on and off the field. I'm grateful for his impact and excited for the future of Penn Sprint Football under his leadership." - Justin Watson, W'18, All-American at Penn, NFL wide receiver (2018-present), three-time Super Bowl Champion

"Coach Dupont is one of the most authentic relationship builders I've been around. His ability to connect with recruits and their families goes far beyond football. That trust translates into a culture where players feel supported from the moment they're recruited. Any team he leads will be stronger because of the relationships he builds." - Joey Slackman C'23, Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year (2023)

"As a former Penn Football captain, I know the importance of focused leadership within successful football programs. Coach Dupont brings the vision, discipline, and commitment to student-athlete development needed to elevate Sprint Football and build a culture that players are proud to be part of both during and long beyond their last snap as a Penn athlete." - Brandon Copeland W'13, Three-time All-Ivy, NFL linebacker (201