ELF: Wroclaw Panthers re-sign HC Craig Kuligowski

AFI | American Football | 09/12/2024

The Wroclaw Panthers have announced that they have extended the contract of head coach Craig Kuligowski for one more year.

Kuligowski took over as head coach in Week 7 and helped Wroclaw win four of their final six games of the season to finish 6-6.

The 55 year old Kuligowski joined the Panthers this season following a 30 year career coaching in the college ranks. He has been a part of coaching staffs of championship teams in the Mid-American Conference, the Big-12 and the SEC. Prior to rejoining the staff at his alma mater (University of Toledo) in 2020, Kuligowski coached at Missouri, Miami (Fla.) and Alabama, where he coached six first-round NFL draft picks and three unanimous All-Americans.

In 2021, Kuligowski played a pivotal role in guiding Toledo’s defense to No.1 ranking in the Mid-American Conference in scoring defense (21.8) and defensive pass efficiency (118.8). The Rockets also ranked second in the MAC in total defense (349.7) and third in passing defense (198.2).

A former offensive lineman, Kuligowski was a two-time First-Team All-MAC selection during his playing career at Toledo (1987-90). From 1992-2000, he served as an assistant coach under former head coach Gary Pinkel. Kuligowski was Toledo’s tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator from 1992-93, served as tight ends and offensive line coach from 1994-95, and was the Rockets’ defensive line coach from 1996-2000. The Rockets won a MAC title in 1995 and MAC West Division crowns in 1997 and 1998. In 2022, Kuligowski was elected into the University of Toledo’s Varsity T Hall of Fame.

Kuligowski’s most recent coaching stop prior to returning to his alma mater was as the associate head coach and defensive line coach at Alabama under Nick Saban in 2018. Under Kuligowski’s tutelage, the Crimson Tide ranked in the Top 20 nationally in sacks (3.00/game), scoring defense (18.1 points/game) and total defense (319.5 yards/game). He helped Alabama to a 14-1 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff Championship Game.

Before arriving at Alabama, Kuligowski spent two seasons at Miami (Fla.) from 2016-17. While serving as assistant head coach and defensive line coach at Miami, Kuligowski helped the Hurricanes to a banner year in 2017. Miami ranked among the nation’s leaders in several defensive categories, including tops in the nation in team sacks (3.38/game), third nationally in tackles for loss (8.5) and turnovers gained (31), eighth nationally in fumbles recovered (14) and ninth in opponent yards per play (4.77). The Hurricanes were 19-7 in Kuligowski’s two seasons there, winning the ACC Coastal Division title in 2017.

Kuligowski followed former Toledo head coach Gary Pinkel to Missouri, serving as the defensive line coach with the Tigers from 2001-15. He coached Michael Sam, who was voted unanimous first team All- America and SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.

Kuligowski is excited for the new season and promises a strong Panthers roster for 2025.