William Paterson University has hired Edwyn Edwards, the defensive coordinator at The College of New Jersey, as the 15th head football coach in program history.
The hire follows three challenging seasons for the Pioneers, who posted records of 2-8, 1-9 and 2-8 over the past three years. As the program looks to reset its direction, Edwards arrives with extensive Division III experience and significant expectations.
Edwards spent seven seasons at TCNJ, where his defenses consistently ranked among the top units in the New Jersey Athletic Conference and nationally. In 2025, his unit led the NJAC in both scoring defense and total defense, reinforcing his reputation as one of the conference’s premier defensive minds.
In 2023, Edwards was part of the NJAC Co-Coaching Staff of the Year after guiding a defense that finished first in sacks, red zone defense, fourth-down defense and interceptions, while ranking second in scoring defense.
Prior to his tenure at TCNJ, Edwards served as recruiting coordinator and secondary coach at his alma mater, King’s College (Pa.), from 2017-19. During the 2018 season, the Monarchs ranked among the conference’s top three teams in both pass defense and sacks.
A former two-year starting safety and team captain at King’s, Edwards earned Dean’s List honors for eight consecutive semesters and was inducted into multiple academic honor societies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from King’s in 2011 and a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Anna Maria in 2015.
While Edwards steps in as the program’s coach of the future, his inaugural season may be shaped by significant roster turnover. Following the departure of former head coach Shaun Williams at the conclusion of the 2025 season, several key contributors have entered the transfer portal.
Starting quarterback Nigel Jennings, a two-year starter, entered the portal after totaling nearly 1,500 passing yards, more than 500 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns during his career. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Gavin Rembert, who recorded 65 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception, has received a transfer offer from Gannon University.
Leading receiver Brion Dorsey also entered the portal after finishing with 23 receptions for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Punter and quarterback Markos Hantosoulis, offensive lineman Jaiden House and several others have followed.
In addition to portal departures, the Pioneers will graduate multiple starters, including their entire starting secondary — safeties James Nevels and Anthony Macera, along with cornerbacks Knasir Alston and Darrell Mims. Team captain and starting linebacker Jayce Harmon will also graduate.
Running back Isaac Cherry and wide receiver Duke McDuffie are among other departing starters, while depth receiver Caleb Rippey is graduating with aspirations of entering the NFL draft.
Edwards, who has established recruiting ties throughout Hudson, Passaic, Essex, Union and Bergen counties, will be tasked with rebuilding the roster while establishing a new identity for the program.
Despite the challenges ahead, William Paterson officials believe Edwards’ defensive pedigree and recruiting background position the Pioneers for long-term success.
