Monmouth football head coach since program started in 1993 steps aside

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Monmouth University announced in a statement Thursday that after 33 seasons as head coach of football, Kevin Callahan will transition to a special advisor role within the athletic department. Associate head coach and offensive coordinator Jeff Gallo has been named the Hawks' new head coach after 21 seasons as an assistant.

Callahan was previously the longest-tenured head coach in all of Division I football (FBS and FCS) and the only head coach in Monmouth football history since the program was established in 1993.

"Following 33 seasons leading Monmouth University football, Head Coach Kevin Callahan will transition to a special advisor role within the athletic department, Director of Athletics Jennifer Sansevero announced Thursday," read a statement from the university. "Associate Head Coach Jeff Gallo ’05, ’12M has been named head coach, becoming the second in program history to hold the title."

Callahan tallied a 197-151 career record at Monmouth. The Hawks won seven conference titles and made the FCS playoffs three times under his watch.

“Coach Callahan’s impact on Monmouth University cannot be measured,” said Sansevero in the statement. “As the architect of this program, he built more than a football team. He built the identity, set the standards, and the pride that define Monmouth football. His legacy is the foundation we stand on. Now, we look to Jeff Gallo to carry the torch forward. Jeff is a proven leader who not only embodies what this program stands for but has the vision and drive to elevate it to new heights. Monmouth football is a program grounded in toughness, accountability, and connection and I’m honored to be part of this historic transfer of leadership.”

Callahan was named conference Coach of the Year five times, three times in the NEC (1998, 2003, 2006) and another two times in the Big South (2019, 2021). Callahan coached 203 all-conference selections, one of which was Gallo, who was an All-NEC tight end in 2003 and went on to join the coaching staff two years later.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be the next head football coach at Monmouth University,” Gallo ’05, ’12M said. “This is an incredible opportunity to lead a great group of men, in a program that has been built over the years by Coach Callahan and his former players. My staff and I will work passionately to elevate the standard of Monmouth football. I want to thank President Leahy and Director of Athletics Jen Sansevero for believing in my vision for Monmouth football.”

Callahan was hired in August of 1992 to lead the Monmouth football's inaugural season in 1993. After going 2-5 that first season, the program immediately became a viable contender without a losing record over the next five seasons. The 2025 campaign was in many ways a culmination of the program's three-decade growth, as the Hawks achieved a program-best ranking, reaching No. 6 in the AFCA Coaches Poll and No. 7 in the STATS Perform Media Top 25; the Hawks finished the year at No. 16 and No. 21, respectively.

“After 34 years at Monmouth University, it is time for me to pass the torch,” Callahan said in the statement. “I am grateful for all of the friendships I have made, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the growth we have experienced. I am especially appreciative of all the student-athletes that have come through the program. I truly hope the influence I had upon them was equal to the profound impact they have had upon me. The goal has always been to not only develop them into great football players but into great men as well."

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth football head coach Kevin Callahan steps aside after 33 years

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