At just 24 years old, Ryan DiVergilis ’25 is already stepping into a major role as the new Defensive Coordinator at Ursinus College. For DiVergilis, the job is more than just a promotion: it’s a chance to enhance the student athlete experience at a place that feels like home. A Northeast Philadelphia native and graduate of Archbishop Wood High School, DiVergilis returned to Ursinus after walking at graduation in Spring 2024, completed a fifth year of football at Ursinus in the Fall of 2025, and officially graduated after the season. Following his fifth year, DiVergilis took the responsibility of Assistant Coach under the previous Defensive Coordinator, Steve Devlin, and focused on the linebacker position for the Bears. This off-season, Coach Devlin was offered the Head Coach position at Alvernia University, allowing Coach DiVergilis to take over as Defensive Coordinator. Across his four-year career, DiVergilis developed into one of the top defenders in the Centennial Conference. T he Ursinus defensive back started in 40 games and accumulated a total of 216 tackles, eight interceptions, 27 pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries. During his career, Ryan earned three All-Centennial First Team Honors, one All-Centennial Honorable Mention, and D3football.com All Region First Team Honors. In his academic pursuits, DiVergilis studied Media and Communications, along with minors in coaching and management and coursework in health science. Now DiVergilis is continuing his education at Temple University, where he is working toward a master’s degree in business focused on sports; he plans to graduate in the fall. All in all, he says his long term goals center around his drive to “enhance the student-athlete experience as much as [he] c an.” Even though DiVergilis always saw himself coaching some day, he didn’t expect it to happen at the college level so soon. “I always knew I wanted to coach in some capacity, but I never thought it would be at the collegiate level. I thought I’d be coaching high school,” he said. His path came together through strong relationships with coaches who believed in him and pushed him forward. “Coach Gallagher and Coach Devlin were the driving force for getting me the job and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.” Senior defensive end for the team, JT Dwire ‘27, spoke highly of his former teammate, now coach. Dwire described DiVergilis as someone who “[leads] by example,” rather than being overly vocal, highlighting that his type of leadership was especially impactful in a team setting: “I think being a former teammate will translate very well. He is very goal oriented and he wants to keep finding ways to be better.” Dwire says he has already seen signs of his dedication, pointing out the time and effort he’s putting in to help the team improve, and says, “I am very excited to see what this season brings with him as my defensive coordinator.” Like any young coach stepping into a big role, DiVergilis knows there will be challenges. But instead of seeing that as a weakness, he sees it as part of the process. “I don’t know all the answers right now and there is some vulnerability in that, but there is also growth,” he said. DiVergilis notes that having a growth mindset and being open to feedback allows him to build relationships with those that are wiser around him and this continues to shape how he approaches coaching every day. “I just want to give the players the best experience possible, and teach them to have a great attitude and give your best effort, which matters most because those are things we can control.” For DiVergilis, this opportunity is about more than football. It’s about giving back to the program that helped shape him and helping the next group of players grow on and off the field. From player to coach, his journey has come full circle, and it’s only just getting started.