Apollo-Ridge grad Jake Nulph hits ground running as Edinboro football coach

Jake Nulph hit the ground running when he was named the football coach at Edinboro on Jan. 19.

From meeting players and getting settled into his new surroundings to assembling a coaching staff and making contact in the final stages of the recruiting season, the Apollo-Ridge graduate has not had many down moments.

“It’s been overwhelmingly fun, and there is a lot going on,” said Nulph, who comes to Edinboro after coaching the defensive backs and special teams last season at IUP.

“From the time I got the offer, and everything leading up to getting the job, it’s been very positive.”

Nulph, who spent the 2018 season as special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach at Duquesne, said he received countless phone calls, texts and Twitter messages from family and friends, former teammates and coaching colleagues and players he has coached.

“I am really trying to take in all of aspects of this experience,” Nulph said. “It’s been emotional. Some of my football coaching mentors told me to just embrace the chaos and run with it. I’m fortunate to have been surrounded by some great people in my 15 years of coaching and even while playing before that.”

Nulph said he is looking forward to the challenge of leading Edinboro back to success.

He takes over for Wayne Bradford who parted ways with the school in November after three seasons.

“Edinboro has had a lot of tradition, and there’s a very proud alumni base,” Nulph said. “I am a big energy guy, and I can see that energy surrounding the program.”

Edinboro went 3-8 last season, 3-4 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

“I am looking forward to the challenge,” Nulph said. “The program had a down year last year, and they’ve been without a leader for the past two months. There is a lot of energy surrounding the team, and they are feeling better about where things stand now.”

Nulph said he had good conversations with several players the day after he was hired, and he held his first official team meeting Wednesday to get a number of things in place and establish a foundation.

“Getting a chance to mentor these young men and teach them life lessons with people around me that believe in the same things, that creates the family atmosphere,” Nulph said. “That’s what this is all about.”

Nulph said first-class people in a first-class environment at IUP made it a tough decision to leave.

Nulph helped IUP compile a 10-2 record last season and earn a bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Duquesne had one of its best seasons in program history in 2018 as it went 9-4, captured the Northeast Conference title, qualified for the NCAA FCS playoffs and won its first playoff game.

“I’ve been blessed from a football standpoint. I think I’ve made the right career moves that put me in a good position to get the Edinboro job,” said Nulph, who has assistant coaching stops at Robert Morris (2005-08), Allegheny (2009), St. Francis (Pa.) (2010-13) and Westminster (2014-17).

Nulph played three seasons at Robert Morris and graduated in 2005.

Those in the Alle-Kiski Valley will remember Nulph for helping lead Apollo-Ridge to a 9-0 record during the 2000 regular season, which included a Class AA Allegheny Conference championship and trip to the WPIAL playoffs.

“I am new, so I hope that creates buzz with the (Edinboro) program,” Nulph said. “I have a vision for the program, and the type of players and people I am looking for. Now, we have to go out there and bring them to Edinboro and get them excited.”

Nulph said the Alle-Kiski Valley is an immediate focus for recruiting. Signing day is Feb. 5.

“This is an area that’s always had tough kids and good football,” he said. “I am proud of my background and being a part of that.”