Division III National Champion Becomes 31st Head Coach in Colgate Football History

HAMILTON — An experienced leader with proven success on and off the field, Curt Fizpatrick has been named Colgate University’s next Fred ’50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach, announced Vice President and Director of Athletics Yariv Amir ’01, on Saturday, December 21.

Fitzpatrick becomes the 31st head coach in Colgate football history, and he heads to Hamilton after most recently leading Division III Cortland to a 45-5 record in four seasons at the helm. The 2023 Division III National Coach of the Year guided Cortland to a national championship in 2023 in addition to four consecutive Empire 8 titles.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Fitzpatrick and his family to Colgate,” said Amir. “Curt has demonstrated a commitment to pursuing excellence, and developing student-athletes with character and integrity that align with the mission of our University. We are confident in the future of Colgate Football as we look forward to working with Coach Fitzpatrick and his staff.”

"Division I athletics are a deeply important part of Colgate's identity, and success on the field or court is a reflection of our commitment to do all things at the highest level,” said Colgate University President Brian W. Casey. “This applies to our athletics as it does to our academic life. I charged our Athletic Director to identify a football coach with a history of achievement and success, and a track record of building a positive culture. I am very certain that, in Curt Fitzpatrick, we have found such a person. I look forward to supporting him and our football student-athletes."

Fitzpatrick’s offense broke four school records during the 2023 title run, logging 46.2 points and 509.2 offensive yards per game in addition to 4,265 passing yards and 3,373 rushing yards on the season. 

"My family and I are honored to join the Colgate community,” Fitzpatrick said. “Thank you to Yariv and President Casey for their belief in me and my vision for Colgate Football. Colgate is a special place that blends a world-class education with championship caliber athletics, in addition to rich tradition and storied history of football success.

“I am excited to get on campus and get to work. Most importantly, I look forward to establishing relationships with our players as we build our team throughout the spring semester and into the season ahead."

The national-title team broke program records that were originally set in each of Fitzpatrick’s first two years at Cortland, where he rolled the Red Dragons to a 20-3 combined record. The Fulton, N.Y., native made the playoffs every season with Cortland and never finished with more than two losses in a campaign. 

"I'd also like to thank SUNY Cortland President Erik Bitterbaum and Director of Athletics Mike Urtz for the opportunity to lead the Cortland football program,” Fitzpatrick said. “Leaving a place that you love is not easy, and that is because of the people who make it special. To our players and coaches - thank you for your dedication and commitment. Your pursuit of excellence led Cortland Football to heights never before achieved, and I believe more great things are on the horizon for Red Dragon Football. My family and I will always hold a special place in our heart for our time shared in red and white."

Prior to Cortland, Fitzpatrick spent seven years as the head coach at Morrisville State where the program accumulated 35 victories. The 2014 East Region Coach of the Year helped the Mustangs to four winning seasons, three postseason appearances and a conference championship. 

Fitzpatrick’s 2014 New Jersey Athletic Conference winners were the first Morrisville State squad to claim a league title since joining NCAA Division III, also becoming the first team in program history to win the ECAC North Central Bowl. 

Over the course of his tenure with the Mustangs, Fitzpatrick mentored three quarterbacks voted conference Offensive Player of the Year, 49 student-athletes on All-League teams, and 61 players on the athletic director honor roll. 

Fitzpatrick’s collegiate coaching career began at his alma mater, St. John Fisher, as a quarterbacks coach from 2006-2007 before moving on to an offensive coordinator role with Utica College from 2008-2012. 

His addition of the accountability program at Utica aided in the selection of 16 All-Conference players on offense, including three D3football.com All-East Region student-athletes. 

At St. John Fisher, Fitzpatrick’s quarterbacks racked up 5,300 passing yards and 55 touchdowns in just two seasons. Behind the potent aerial attack, the Cardinals amassed a 23-4 combined record which paved the way to a final four appearance in 2006 and an elite eight finish in 2007. 

Following his 2004 graduation from St. John Fisher with a bachelor’s degree in management, Fitzpatrick returned home to coach at Fulton High School where they were crowned OHSL Class A League champions in 2005.

Additional information about a community gathering to welcome Fitzpatrick to Colgate will be shared before the start of the spring semester.