Phil Petitte, 59, a former assistant coach at Rowan University and LaSalle College, begins his fourth season with the University of Delaware football staff as defensive line coach for the 2009 season.
He attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) and earned his degree in health and physical education in 1971. While at Glassboro, he was a four-year starter at offensive guard, served as team captain as a senior, and was twice named to the All-New Jersey Athletic Conference.
Before joining the college coaching ranks, Petitte enjoyed a successful 24-year high school football coaching tenure in South Jersey, including 14 years as a head coach.
He served as head coach at Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill, N.J. for six years and at Triton High School in Runnemeade, N.J. for eight years. He served as a physical education instructor at Triton High School from 1986 until this past fall.
The Phil Petitte File
How You Say It: "Petite"
Born: August 26, 1949 College: Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education, Glassboro State College (Rowan), 1971 College Coaching Career: 1995-2003: Defensive Line, Rowan University
2004-05: Associate Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Line, LaSalle University
2006-Present: Defensive Line, University of Delaware Family: Wife, Pat; Daughters Patti, Ami, Cortnie Recruiting Area: New Jersey (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Ocean counties); Florida (Jacksonville, Orlando, Tallahassee)
He joined the college coaching ranks at NCAA Division III power Rowan University in 1995 and served nine seasons until 2003 as defensive line coach, the first seven years under current Delaware head coach K.C. Keeler.
During his tenure, he helped lead Rowan to seven NCAA Division III playoffs appearances, including four national championship game appearances in 1995, 1996, 1998, and 1999. Rowan won 10 more more games seven times in his nine-year career. In 1999, Rowan had the No. 1 ranked rushing defense in the nation.
Following his career at Rowan, he moved to the NCAA I-AA level and served as associate head coach, defensive coordinator, and defensive line coach at LaSalle University in Philadelphia.
Under head coach Phil Longo, the Explorers posted records of 3-7 in 2004 and 4-7 in 2005. While at LaSalle, he assisted with the team's community service activities and recruited the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Arizona areas.
He led the Blue Hens to another outstanding season in 2007 when Delaware went 11-4 and advanced to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision title game. A much improved UD defensive was spearheaded by the play of sophomore All-American defensive end Matt Marcorelle.
Petitte currently resides in Mickleton, N.J. with his wife, Pat. They have three daughters, Patti, Ami, and Cortnie.
Assistant Coach Phil Petitte