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HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. -- Hampden-Sydney College Director of Athletics Chad Eisele has announced the appointment of Vince Luvara as the College's new football head coach. The defensive coordinator at Washington & Jefferson (PA) College since 2016, Luvara becomes the 29th head coach in the 129-year history of the storied Hampden-Sydney program. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native is no stranger to NCAA Division III, having played four years at Allegheny (PA) College and coached one year at Allegheny and two years at Misericordia (PA) University—each school members of Division III.

"We are excited to start writing the next chapter in the history of Hampden-Sydney football, and we look forward to the contributions Vince Luvara will make to build on the progress Marty Favret has made to strengthen the program. We're impressed by Vince's appreciation for Hampden-Sydney's football traditions, his commitment to the College's values and mission of forming good men and good citizens, and his track record as an outstanding recruiter of student-athletes. He brings a wealth of experience and coaching talent to our Tiger football program." – H-SC President Larry Stimpert

Luvara served as the defensive coordinator, as well as the recruiting coordinator, at Washington & Jefferson for the past eight seasons, helping the Presidents to an overall record of 66-16, including 51-12 in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC). During this eight-year period, W&J has won two PAC Championships, made two NCAA Playoff appearances and won four of five ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) Bowl Championships—the most recent a 46-21 win past the United States Merchant Marine Academy (NY) in the 2023 ECAC James Lynah Bowl to complete a 9-2 season (8-2 PAC).

"First, I would like to thank the search committee for all of the work they did to help us find our next football coach. With over 200 resumes, there was a lot to sort through. We had a very strong group of finalists, but Vince really set himself apart with his success in Division III football and his ability to recruit tremendous student-athletes. We look forward to Vince leading our football program and for he and his wife Stacey to join the Tiger community." – H-SC Director of Athletics Chad Eisele

Luvara served under 21-year veteran head coach Mike Sirianni at W&J, one of the most successful head coaches in NCAA football, and the winningest football coach in that school's history (185-44). The Presidents have had 64 All-PAC Defensive selections since 2016, including 23 First Team honorees, along with three All-Americans (O'Shea Anderson, 2017; Mike Williams, 2019; Dawson Dietz, 2022) and one Academic All-American (Conor Manning, 2019). W&J ranked 23rd nationally this season in fewest passing yards allowed (158.8), 26th in turnovers gained (24), 31st in interceptions (15), 46th in total defense (297.7) and 50th in scoring defense (18.8). The Presidents yielded just one touchdown or less in four games during 2023, including one shutout.

"I would like to thank Dr. Stimpert, Chad Eisele and the rest of the search committee for this opportunity. My wife Stacey and I could not be more excited to join the Hampden-Sydney community. I am really looking forward to getting to work with the student-athletes and to get to know the alumni. Hampden-Sydney is truly a special place and it is because of its people. I look forward to helping to build the football program into a sustained winner and to help form good men and good citizens." – New H-SC Football Head Coach Vince Luvara

Luvara's W&J defense yielded just 12.7 points per game in 2022 to rank 15th in Division III, allowing 255.6 yards—just 99.7 on the ground. In 2021, the scoring defense was 16.2 with 17 interceptions and 287.4 yards, while during the spring of 2021 (COVID-19), the unit allowed only 11.8 points and 198.3 yards in four games. W&J's scoring defense was 16.1 in 2019, allowing 297.6 yards—tops in the PAC, and in 2018—11 defensive players earned All-PAC recognition during a championship season that witnessed 19 interceptions. The scoring defense (18.9) ranked second in the conference in 2017, along with a league-leading 23 interceptions, and in 2016, the Presidents led the PAC in tackles for loss (112) and sacks (40).

Luvara served as an intern assistant coach at W&J during the 2015-16 academic year, working with the linebackers and acting as the special teams and video coordinator. The Presidents finished 8-2 overall, 6-2 in the PAC. He had a similar role (linebackers, special teams, recruiting, video) at his alma mater, Allegheny, during 2014-15, and coached linebackers (taking over special teams during the 2012 season) at Misericordia in 2012 and 2013 as a graduate assistant while earning his MBA in business administration.

Luvara was a four-year team member (2007-10) and three-year letterman at Allegheny (2008-10), playing in 28 career games, and starting all 10 games at inside linebacker as a senior. He totaled 75 career tackles, including 26 solo and 49 assisted, seven tackles for loss, one interception and four pass breakups. Luvara helped the Gators to an overall record of 20-10 during his letterman years, including 13-7 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC).

Luvara graduated from Allegheny in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in managerial economics and a minor in communications arts. He was a student assistant in the football office from 2007-11.

Vince and his wife Stacey will be relocating to the Hampden-Sydney area.

What They Are Saying About New Hampden-Sydney Football Head Coach Vince Luvara (December 7, 2023)

"We are very happy for Vince and Stacey. He is ready to be a head coach and to lead his own program. During his time here at W&J, he has elevated our play and raised the standard for our defense. Vince is also a tremendous recruiter as he builds strong relationships with both prospective and current student-athletes." – Washington & Jefferson (PA) Head Coach Mike Sirianni

"Coach Luvara has worked hard to earn this opportunity and we thank him for his dedication to Presidents' football and our athletic department these last nine years. As our defensive coordinator, Vince elevated our defense to consistently rank as one of NCAA Division III's best units. He is a relentless recruiter who will bring a detailed approach to every aspect of the Hampden-Sydney program. We wish Coach Luvara the best of luck in Virginia!" – Washington & Jefferson (PA) Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Athletics Scott McGuinness

"Vince Luvara is one of the best and brightest young coaches that I had the pleasure to work with at Allegheny College. He is a tireless recruiter and does not take a back seat to anyone in the country when it comes to the X's and O's of defensive football. More importantly, he is a man of high character. I am extremely confident that as the Head Football Coach, he will represent Hampden-Sydney College in a first-class manner." – retired Allegheny (PA) Head Coach Mark Matlak (2002-15)

"Great hire for Hampden-Sydney College! Vince is one of the finest young coaches I have had the pleasure to work with. He is a tireless recruiter and is an exceptional defensive coach. Very happy for him as I know how hard he has worked for this opportunity. Congratulations to Vince and Hampden-Sydney College." – Bloomsburg (PA) Defensive Coordinator Mark Ross / former Misericordia (PA) Head Coach (2012-20)

"Anytime we went to prepare for Washington & Jefferson and Vince's defenses, we knew we would be in for a fight. Vince does a great job of presenting lots of looks to opposing offenses, while more importantly maximizing his talent. I know he is a tireless recruiter, and will find great players to play for the Tigers. Vince will do a great job at Hampden-Sydney College." – Carnegie Mellon (PA) Head Coach Ryan Larsen

"It has been well known in our conference for years that Vince has been one of the brightest and most successful coordinators in the PAC. HIs tireless approach to recruiting and his commitment to making his players the best they can be, will be a great asset to Hampden-Sydney. Over the course of my tenure here at Westminster, I have grown to respect and enjoy competing against Vince and his top ranked defense yearly. I have no doubt he will do great things at Hampden-Sydney." – Westminster (PA) Head Coach Scott Benzel

"What an outstanding hire for Hampden-Sydney Football! Vince's defenses at W&J were exceptional and he has also been a top-notch recruiter." – Case Western Reserve (OH) Head Coach Greg Debeljak