Temple University Athletics
Temple Mourns Former Owls' Captain Paul Darragh
8.25.26 | Football
Temple University mourns the passing of Paul Darragh, a former football team captain and assistant coach.
The McDonald, Pa., native served as Owls' team captain in 1984, when he also led the team with 110 tackles. He was among the top five tackles in each of his last three seasons and followed his playing career by becoming an assistant football coach at Temple.
He made a few coaching stops before finding a home at Bloomsburg University. Darragh spent 23 seasons with Bloomsburg, including seven as head coach after serving 16 seasons as the program's defensive coordinator. He joined the Bloomsburg coaching staff in 1997 and was named interim head coach prior to the 2013 season before taking over the program permanently later that year.
As head coach, Darragh compiled a 52-28 record and guided the Huskies to some of the program's most memorable seasons. His first two teams went a combined 21-4, captured back-to-back PSAC East titles and earned consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearances. Bloomsburg won the PSAC championship in 2013 before advancing to the NCAA Super Region One championship game and finishing 11-2 in 2014. Darragh was named the PSAC East Coach of the Year in both 2013 and 2014 and earned American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Super Region One Coach of the Year honors following the 2014 campaign.
The following is his obituary posted on Legacy.
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The McDonald, Pa., native served as Owls' team captain in 1984, when he also led the team with 110 tackles. He was among the top five tackles in each of his last three seasons and followed his playing career by becoming an assistant football coach at Temple.
He made a few coaching stops before finding a home at Bloomsburg University. Darragh spent 23 seasons with Bloomsburg, including seven as head coach after serving 16 seasons as the program's defensive coordinator. He joined the Bloomsburg coaching staff in 1997 and was named interim head coach prior to the 2013 season before taking over the program permanently later that year.
As head coach, Darragh compiled a 52-28 record and guided the Huskies to some of the program's most memorable seasons. His first two teams went a combined 21-4, captured back-to-back PSAC East titles and earned consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearances. Bloomsburg won the PSAC championship in 2013 before advancing to the NCAA Super Region One championship game and finishing 11-2 in 2014. Darragh was named the PSAC East Coach of the Year in both 2013 and 2014 and earned American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Super Region One Coach of the Year honors following the 2014 campaign.
The following is his obituary posted on Legacy.
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Paul Francis Xavier Darragh's Obituary
Paul Darragh, age 64, of Accomac, Virginia, spent his final moments surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 19th, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, inspiration, and deep friendship.
Paul dedicated his life to mentoring others, achieving a highly successful career as a college football coach. Beyond the wins on the field, his true victory was the profound impact he made on the lives of his players. He didn't just teach the game of football; he built character, instilled discipline, and inspired generations of young men to reach their full potential.
To those who knew him on and off the field, Paul was a legendary friend— always ready with a word of encouragement, a quick laugh, and unwavering support.
Paul deeply cherished every friendship he developed and preserved each one throughout the chapters of his life
Alongside all his professional achievements, Paul had a lifelong passion for music. He spent his last years actualizing this passion as a co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist of the Southern Fog Band, playing at many live musical venues to great acclaim.
Paul's "Why" in life was his family. He was a deeply devoted husband and incredible father, anchoring his home with love, strength, and positivity.
His family is devastated by his loss. He set an incredible example as a father, loving unconditionally and always putting those whom he cared about first. His memory will live on through those who knew and loved him.
Paul is survived by his wife Yelena, his children Sasha, Lemuel and Gabriel, and his grandchildren Ulyana and Philomena. Paul leaves behind his siblings Mimi, Cora, Mary, Peter and Luke. Preceding Paul in death are his mother, father, and sister Tina.
A celebration of Paul's remarkable life will take place at 10am, September 19th at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in McDonald, Pennsylvania. Gathering for friends and family will be at the Grand Theater in McDonald, PA following the service.
Paul Darragh, age 64, of Accomac, Virginia, spent his final moments surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 19th, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, inspiration, and deep friendship.
Paul dedicated his life to mentoring others, achieving a highly successful career as a college football coach. Beyond the wins on the field, his true victory was the profound impact he made on the lives of his players. He didn't just teach the game of football; he built character, instilled discipline, and inspired generations of young men to reach their full potential.
To those who knew him on and off the field, Paul was a legendary friend— always ready with a word of encouragement, a quick laugh, and unwavering support.
Paul deeply cherished every friendship he developed and preserved each one throughout the chapters of his life
Alongside all his professional achievements, Paul had a lifelong passion for music. He spent his last years actualizing this passion as a co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist of the Southern Fog Band, playing at many live musical venues to great acclaim.
Paul's "Why" in life was his family. He was a deeply devoted husband and incredible father, anchoring his home with love, strength, and positivity.
His family is devastated by his loss. He set an incredible example as a father, loving unconditionally and always putting those whom he cared about first. His memory will live on through those who knew and loved him.
Paul is survived by his wife Yelena, his children Sasha, Lemuel and Gabriel, and his grandchildren Ulyana and Philomena. Paul leaves behind his siblings Mimi, Cora, Mary, Peter and Luke. Preceding Paul in death are his mother, father, and sister Tina.
A celebration of Paul's remarkable life will take place at 10am, September 19th at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in McDonald, Pennsylvania. Gathering for friends and family will be at the Grand Theater in McDonald, PA following the service.
Monday, August 24
Monday, August 24
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