Mark Duda, head football coach at Lackawanna College, announced his retirement effective at the end of the 2025 season. This decision, revealed on Monday morning, signifies not only a personal transition for Duda but also marks the end of a significant chapter for the college’s football program. The Falcons are set to play their final game of the season on November 13 against Snow College at PENFED Field at Scranton Memorial Stadium.
Since its founding in 1994 as a junior college, Lackawanna College has undergone remarkable transformations. Initially designed to provide students in Scranton and surrounding areas with affordable educational opportunities, it has evolved into one of the fastest-growing four-year institutions in Pennsylvania. A merger with Philadelphia-based Peirce College in July 2023 made it the largest private, nonprofit open-enrollment college in the state, now offering master’s degree programs.
Duda’s tenure as head coach has been instrumental in this evolution. Under his guidance, Lackawanna football has not only excelled on the field but also emphasized the importance of academic success. Players who passed through his program frequently spoke of the academic focus promoted by Duda and his coaching staff. This dual emphasis on athletics and education has proven vital in preparing students for future challenges.
As collegiate sports face increasing scrutiny over coaching decisions, Duda’s retirement highlights a broader trend within the industry. The 2025 season has already seen ten head coaches in the Football Bowl Subdivision fired due to underwhelming performances. The total buyout costs for these coaches are estimated to be between $160 million and $190 million, with Louisiana State’s dismissal of head coach Brian Kelly costing over $53 million.
The situation at Penn State illustrates the shifting priorities in college athletics. Despite head coach James Franklin maintaining a winning percentage of 70% and leading his team to a Big Ten championship in 2016, he faced termination after a three-game losing streak. The pressures of performance have overshadowed the long-term benefits of player development and academic achievement.
Duda’s legacy at Lackawanna College is characterized by an unwavering commitment to education alongside athletic excellence. Players such as offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie, who went on to achieve All-American status at the University of Miami and won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, credit Duda for instilling values that extend beyond the football field. McKinnie noted, “You just can’t put any limits on yourself. Just come here, be consistent and work hard, and you can achieve what it is you set your mind to.”
Throughout his career, Duda has won more games than any other coach at the junior college level, sending 450 athletes to Division I football programs and coaching 25 players who eventually played in the NFL. His impact at Lackawanna goes beyond mere statistics, serving as a reminder of what collegiate athletics can represent.
As Lackawanna College prepares for life after Duda, the institution recognizes the significance of his contributions. His departure may signal a shift in leadership, but the values he instilled will continue to resonate within the college community. In a landscape where financial incentives are becoming increasingly prominent, Duda’s focus on fostering well-rounded individuals remains a standard worth aspiring to in collegiate sports.
