FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Sacred Heart University head football coach Mark Nofri did not have to go far to find his next defensive coordinator. Nofri announced the promotion of defensive line coach Darin Edwards to coordinator. 
 
"Darin has impressed me not only with his ability to coach defense, but with his level of professionalism and ability to connect with our student-athletes in a mentorship capacity," Nofri said.
 
Edwards started his second stint with the Sacred Heart football program for the 2021 season. During that campaign, defensive end Kevin Peprah earned First-Team All-NEC accolades. He was named to the 2022 Buck Buchanan Award watch list, which is given to the best FCS defensive player in the country. Peprah was a repeated as an All-NEC selection in 2022 along with defensive tackle Carson Primrose.
 
The past two seasons the Pioneers have had one of the top passing defenses in the country, ranking in the top three of yards allowed. Sacred Heart has also been one of the best scoring defenses. 
 
"I am extremely excited about the new opportunity in front of me," Edwards said. "Sacred Heart University is an outstanding place with extraordinary people, and I am blessed to be a part of this football program."
 
Edwards first came to the Pioneers in 2008 and was on staff for six seasons. He coached a number of positions and was a member of the staff that helped Sacred Heart win the 2013 NEC Championship and advance to the FCS Playoffs. 
 
Prior to rejoining Nofri's staff in 2021, Edwards spent the six seasons as the defensive line coach at Columbia University. While with the Lions, Edwards' players produced nine All-Ivy League selections. Defensive end Daniel DeLorenzi concluded his Columbia career as the school's all-time career sacks record holder and Lord Hyeamang signed with the Los Angeles Rams.
 
Edwards arrived at Columbia after spending two years in the Bronx, coaching the defensive line at Fordham University from 2014-15. Before his first time on staff at Sacred Heart, Edwards coached at Iona College, where he worked as the defensive line coach and helped the Gaels finish third in the country in total defense. Edwards also coached at Central Connecticut State and Western Connecticut.
 
During his collegiate playing career, Edwards was a four-year letterwinner at Miles College in Fairfield, Ala. A four-year starter on the offensive line, he was inducted into the Miles Hall of Fame in 2010. He also had stints in the North American Football League for the Central Alabama Renegades, National Indoor Football League as well as the Arena 2 League before joining the coaching ranks. 
 
Edwards graduated from Miles in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in social studies education.