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Paul Tortorella joined the IUP staff as defensive coordinator in 1995 and coaches the Crimson Hawk strong safeties and drop linebackers. Since coming to IUP, Tortorella has directed a defense that has ranked among the best in the nation. In 2008, the Crimson Hawks allowed only 11.4 points per game, the top mark in the PSAC and second in the nation. IUP also ranked fifth nationally in rushing defense (76.1) and fourth in total defense (235.7). Only two of IUP's 10 opponents scored more than 20 points, six scored 10 or fewer and the Crimson Hawks allowed an average of only 3.5 yards per play. In 2006, the Crimson Hawks led the PSAC and were 14th in the nation in scoring defense at 14.4 points per game while surrendering just 96.6 yards per game on the ground, the 26th best mark in the nation. In 2003, IUP allowed 16.5 points per game, the 14th lowest figure in the country. The previous season, the defense forced 42 turnovers, the second most in the nation, including 23 interceptions. In 2001, IUP placed 11th among all Division II schools in total defense and seventh in pass efficiency defense while recording the third stingiest defense against the score during the regular season. Tortorella got his coaching start on the prep level in 1985, serving as linebackers coach at Mount Lebanon High School. He then began a nine-year stint as an assistant coach at a pair of Division I universities, including six at Maryland and three at Akron. Tortorella joined the Maryland staff as a graduate assistant working with linebackers and the secondary from 1986-87 followed by one year as a volunteer assistant secondary coach. In 1989, he was hired on a fulltime basis as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach, and he added halfbacks to his list of responsibilities in 1990. In 1992, Tortorella departed Maryland for Akron, where he coached defensive backs through the 1994 season before joining the IUP staff. During his career, Tortorella has coached two players who went on to successful NFL careers. Defensive back Victor Green (Akron) played with the New York Jets from 1993-2001, the New England Patriots in 2002 and the New Orleans Saints in 2003 while tight end Frank Wycheck (Maryland) retired after the 2003 season following an 11-year pro career which saw him catch 505 passes. A pair of IUP cornerbacks have earned All-America recognition under Tortorella's tutelage, including Barry Threats (1997 and 1998) and Joey Flora (2001). Tortorella is a 1985 graduate of Slippery Rock with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education. He and his wife, Michele, are the parents of Luke (12), Annalise (9), Zachary (6) and Michael (3). |
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