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In his 23rd season on the Villanova coaching staff, Mark Ferrante enters his 11th year as Assistant Head Coach in 2009. Besides serving as Andy Talley's right-hand man, Ferrante will continue to coach the Wildcat offensive line. On the recruiting front, Ferrante recruits Eastern Pennsylvania and parts of New York.
Under Ferrante's tutelage, the Villanova offensive line is traditionally one of the best in the Colonial Athletic Association. Last season, two of Ferrante's offensive linemen earned All-Conference honors as sophomore tackle Ben Ijalana was a first team selection and junior center Brian Brannigan was a third team honoree. In 2001, Ferrante coached his second All-American in Eamonn Allen who earned first team All American acclaim from the Associated Press. Allen also earned first team All-East and first team All-Atlantic 10 honors. Ferrante coached his first All-American in Bryan Russo in 1989. During his Wildcat coaching career, Ferrante has coached eight All-East, 10 first team All-Conference players and two All-Americans.
Joining the Villanova staff in February, 1987, Ferrante was already familiar with head coach Andy Talley's philosophy. Ferrante played quarterback for Talley before joining his coaching staff at St. Lawrence University. As a player, Ferrante was team captain of the 1982 St. Lawrence team that finished 10-1 and made it to the Division III national semifinals. In 1982, Ferrante was named the Division III Player of the Year, as well as earning first team All-East honors. He still holds the St. Lawrence University school records for completions, yards passing and total yards in a season. After one year as the St. Lawrence running backs coach, Ferrante went on to Wagner College in 1984 where he coached the running backs before joining the coaching staff at Lafayette College from 1985-86.
Ferrante and his wife, Georgea, reside in Phoenixville, Pa. with their 13-year- old son, Jimmy.
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