Syracuse Football: Paul Pasqualoni finally hangs up his whistle for good

Former Syracuse football head coach Paul Pasqualoni is finally calling it quits after 48 years. Here are all the details and what it all means.

It’s been a long run for former Syracuse football head coach Paul Pasqualoni but he’s finally hanging up his whistle for good.

Most recently Pasqualoni served as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions over the last two years.

In a statement released by Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia, he cited Pasqualoni’s desire to be closer to his family as the reason for his departure:

"“Coach Pasqualoni notified me this week that he will be stepping away from the Lions to be closer to his family. Coach P is one of the best men I’ve ever been around on both a personal and professional level. I owe him so much and I’m grateful for the impact he had on our players, coaches and support staff. He will continue to be a great sounding board for me as a coach, father, and leader. I wish him and his family well as they begin the new year together.”"

Paul has been coaching football non-stop since 1972 here’s a fascinating look back at his amazing coaching career:

• Cheshire High School as an assistant (1972–1975)
• South Connecticut State as an assistant (1976–1979)
• South Connecticut State as a defensive coordinator (1980–1981)
• West Connecticut State as a head coach (1982–1986)
• Syracuse as an assistant (1987–1990)
• Syracuse as a head coach (1991–2004)
• Dallas Cowboys as a tight ends coach (2005)
• Dallas Cowboys as a linebackers coach (2006–2007)
• Miami Dolphins as a defensive coordinator (2008–2009)
• Dallas Cowboys as a defensive line coach (2010)
• Connecticut as a head coach (2011–2013)
• Chicago Bears as a defensive line coach (2014)
• Houston Texans as a defensive line coach (2015)
• Boston College as a defensive line coach (2016–2017)
• Detroit Lions as a defensive coordinator (2018– 2020)

All-in-all Paul Pasqualoni has been coaching football for 48 years, but finally, he’ll be spending more time with his family. Paul is 70 years old and most thought that he would coach football until he kicks the bucket.

But seeing Pasqualoni’s name back in the headlines brings up nostalgic memories of the good ole days on the hill for the Syracuse football squad.

As the head coach of the Orange Paul led the team to consecutive 10 win seasons to start his head coaching career back in 1991-1992. When he unceremoniously exited in 2004, few Orange fans knew what they would be losing.

Syracuse would go on to eventually hire guys like Greg Robinson, Doug Marrone, and Scott Shafer. Finally, it seems like Syracuse football has something with Dino Babers, but only time will tell.

Speaking of Syracuse, Pasqualoni’s final stop in his coaching career with the Detroit Lions actually had ties to Central New York. Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia got his first legitimate start with the Syracuse football squad as an offensive graduate assistant from 2001-03.

Patricia would use that as a launching pad to his long tenure with the New England Patriots from 2004-17 where he won three Super Bowl championships. When he got his first professional head coaching opportunity with the Lions, he never forgot who gave him his first shot, Paul Pasqualoni.

In football it’s all about relationships, the game is a brotherhood. Paul Pasqualoni will be remembered for not only the winning plays he coached but the relationships he created on and off the field.