Springfield, Mass. – July 1, 2026 - Springfield College and the entire collegiate football community is mourning the unexpected passing of Coach Lou DiRienzo Jr., former graduate assistant and defensive coordinator for the Springfield College football program. DiRienzo, who had just turned 34, passed away on Saturday, June 27 in New Jersey.

Throughout his coaching career, DiRienzo built a reputation as an outstanding teacher, defensive strategist, and developer of student-athletes. He joined Monmouth University in 2025 as linebackers coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2026. Prior to Monmouth, he spent five successful seasons at Springfield College as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, helping guide the program to five New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) championships. 

"During his time on Alden Street, Lou represented the very best of Springfield College," said Director of Athletics Dr. Craig Poisson. "While his accomplishments on the football field were impressive, it was the relationships he built with our students and student-athletes that truly defined him. His impact will be measured not only in wins and championships, but in the lives he helped shape. Our thoughts and prayers are with Allison, Audrina, Giavanna, and the entire DiRienzo family during this incredibly difficult time."

In 2023, he was recognized as the Gridiron Club of New England Division II/III Co-Assistant Coach of the Year and in 2024, guided the Pride to a historic season that saw Springfield reach the NCAA Division III National Quarterfinals for the first time in 24 seasons. His earlier coaching stops included Rutgers University and Wagner College.

"Lou was so much more than a football coach. He was a devoted husband to Allie, a loving father to Audrina and Giovanna, an incredible mentor, and a loyal friend. He dedicated his life to serving others, believing that coaching was about helping young men become better leaders, better husbands, better fathers, and better people," said Springfield College football head coach Mike Cerasuolo. "Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Lou knows the impact he made. He led with humility, integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to others. He invested in people, built genuine relationships, and lived every day with a servant's heart. He embodied everything Springfield College Football strives to be."

In a total of six years at Springfield College, including two as a graduate assistant in 2016 and 2017 and four as a coach under Cerasuolo from 2020-24, the Pride won 52 games, went a perfect 33-0 in NEWMAC contests and hoisted the NEWMAC trophy five times. He coached three NEWMAC Defensive Athletes of the Year in  Nick Giorgio (2017), Quinn Sweeney (2023) and Billy Carr (2024) and was part of a staff that was named NEWMAC Coaching Staff of the Year in 2017, 2021, 2022 and 2023. 

A native of Yonkers, New York, DiRienzo graduated from New Rochelle High School before earning a degree in Health and Physical Education from Southern Connecticut State University, where he excelled as a linebacker and served as team captain. He later completed graduate studies at Springfield College, earning a master's degree in education while serving as a graduate assistant football coach.

Known for his infectious laugh and unwavering commitment to helping others, DiRienzo was also a registered marrow donor through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), reflecting his lifelong dedication to service.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Westchester Funeral Home in Eastchester, New York. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 3, at Assumption Church in Tuckahoe, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).

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