Mark Duda announced his retirement as head football coach at Lackawanna College, effective at the end of the 2025 season.
His decision comes following a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Duda — a native of Plymouth and graduate of Wyoming Valley West — joined Lackawanna College’s football program at its inception in 1993, serving as defensive coordinator. A year later, he accepted the position of head coach, which he has held for 32 seasons. He’s the active wins leader in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with 217 career victories. He has produced more than 450 NCAA Division I athletes and helped coach more than 25 players who went on to sign NFL contracts. Duda will remain connected to the College and the Athletic Department as an athletic advisor.
“Coach Duda’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to shape the culture and spirit of Lackawanna College for generations to come,” said Dr. Jill A. Murray, President and Chief Innovation Officer of Lackawanna College. “We fully support him in his decision to retire and prioritize his health and wellness, and we are incredibly grateful for his years of leadership, tireless dedication, and for being the heart and soul of our Falcon Football Program for more than three decades.”
Before his time at Lackawanna College, Duda was a standout athlete of his own. He set a school record of 13 sacks during his senior season at the University of Maryland, which stood until 2015. Following his collegiate career, Duda was selected with the 96th overall pick in the fourth round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He played five seasons in the NFL, starting 34 games and appearing in 55, recording 9½ sacks.
“Our football program would not be where it is today without Coach Duda. He’s been pivotal in our continued growth and transition from the NJCAA to the NCAA Division II,” said Erik Larson, Lackawanna College Director of Athletics. “Coach Duda has made a tremendous and lasting impact on the lives of every athlete who’s stepped on our field and every person who’s had the pleasure to work with him in our Athletic Department. We thank him for his service, dedication and unwavering support for our football program.”