Veteran coach Dan Pippin has signed on as head coach of the Bialystok Lowlanders in the Polish Football League, PFL.
The Lowlanders reached the PFL championship game in 2024 but lost to the Warsaw Eagles.
The 56-year-old Michigan native most recently served with the Aquile Ferrara in Italy’s second division in 2024 helping the club advance to the Italian Football League’s top division. He has been Offensive Coordinator at Webber International University. In 2023, he was the head coach of the Lubeck Cougars in Germany’s GFL2. He served as head coach of the Hungarian National Team in 2022.
Also in 2022, he was head coach of both of Lazio’s football teams – the Ducks in the Italian Football League and the club’s second team, the Fighting Ducks, in Italy’s third division. Pippin was vital in rebuilding an exciting club that season which featured one of Italy’s best offenses, leading them into the Italian semifinals.
Before taking his coaching talents abroad Pippin was an accomplished coach in the United States after having spent 28 years coaching high school football in South Carolina at Aiken, Greenwood, and North Augusta. In the heart of the South, Pippin was a fixture in the competitive South Carolina high school football scene. During his various coaching tenures, Pippin, who was named USA Football Coach of the Year, produced multiple NFL players and dozens of Division 1 recruits. He spent the fall of 2021 coaching at Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota’s junior college league.
The President of the Lowlanders, Piotr Morko, emphasizes that the club has ambitious goals for the upcoming season:
“The changes in our coaching staff are a clear signal that we are aiming for titles. The team has been strengthened not only in terms of the coaching staff but also through strategic planning for every aspect of the upcoming games. We want to give our fans reasons to be proud and to fight for the championship every day.”
What was the main factor that convinced you to choose the Lowlanders?
Pippin: The main factor in choosing the Lowlanders was the opportunity to coach one of the best programs in Europe. The Lowlanders and I had been in contact for quite some time, but for one reason or another, things didn’t work out until now. I did have other offers from teams in Europe, some of which were very appealing, but ultimately, I felt the Lowlanders were the best fit for both me and my wife.
How do you feel after the recruitment process?
Pippin: The recruitment process was excellent. Since I already knew a lot about the Lowlanders, the decision was relatively easy for me.
Have you reviewed the Lowlanders’ games from last season?
Pippin: Yes, I’ve watched every game from last season and reviewed the practices available on Hudl. I’ve broken down all aspects of each game and can clearly see how the team improved as the season progressed. I’m confident we’ll continue building on that growth in the upcoming season.
What is your favorite team in the NFL or college football?
Pippin: My favorite NFL team is the Detroit Lions, and I’m also a big fan of the Michigan Wolverines. For many years, being a Lions fan was tough, but now it feels great. The Wolverines, on the other hand, have been consistently good for a long time.
What’s your biggest strength on the sideline as a coach?
Pippin: My biggest strength as a coach is taking the time to understand my players—coaching to their strengths while working on their weaknesses. On the field, I strive to create an environment where we all enjoy ourselves. Practices will be fast-paced, similar to the college practices I’ve been a part of. Game days, to me, are the reward for all the hard work we put in during practice and preparation.
Tell us about your career (high school, college, overseas).
Pippin: I played high school football in Michigan and college football in Indiana at Saint Joseph’s College, where I was a two-time All-Conference center and team captain during my senior year. I’ve coached for 30 years in high school football, including 24 years as a head coach. I also spent 2 years as an offensive coordinator at the college level and 4 years as a head coach in Europe. My head coaching record is 179 wins and 95 losses.Over the years, I’ve received several accolades, including National Coach of the Year by USA Football, Carolina Panthers Coach of the Week, and multiple Region Coach of the Year awards. I’ve also coached five players who went on to play in the NFL. However, my greatest success is seeing my former players thrive as great fathers, husbands, and contributing members of society.
What kind of coach are you? Are you a leader, a motivator, or do you prefer a different role?
Pippin: I see myself as a leader and a motivator. I believe you get the best out of people by showing them that you care and are committed to their success and the team’s success. Consistency is key to my approach. I also believe the best teams are player-led, and I aim to cultivate that dynamic within our team.
What motivates you?
Pippin: My motivation comes from the desire to make our team and program successful. Achieving that requires everyone to give their best and understand that no one person is more important than the team. Our strength lies in teamwork.
What is your goal for the upcoming season?
Pippin: My goal, as it is every season, is for us to be the best we can be every single day. It’s important to enjoy the process and stay focused on consistent improvement.
Source of Q&A: Press Office Białystok Lowlanders