INDIANA, Pa. — Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletics, along with director of athletics Todd Garzarelli and head coach Paul Tortorella, announced the hiring of Marco Pecora as offensive coordinator and Lance Getsy as tight ends coach for the IUP football team.
Pecora arrives after serving as offensive coordinator and associate head coach at Saint Francis (Pa.) since March 2019. During his tenure, he also held roles as defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator.
A 2013 IUP graduate, Pecora played safety for the Crimson Hawks after beginning his collegiate career at Pittsburgh from 2008-12. While at Pittsburgh, he was part of the 2010 Big East championship team and earned three varsity letters. He later contributed to an IUP defense that ranked among the top 15 in Division II in 2013.
Pecora's offensive success at Saint Francis was notable, as the Red Flash led the Northeast Conference in offense for three seasons. His units set program records in touchdowns, total yards, points per game and offensive efficiency. He was also part of the staff that helped Saint Francis secure its first Football Bowl Subdivision victory, defeating Kent State 30-23 on Sept. 7, 2024. The Red Flash also captured the NEC championship in 2022.
Tortorella called Pecora a strong addition to the program.
"Marco Pecora is a former player of mine here at IUP. He is a great communicator and very knowledgeable. He has experience as a coordinator on both sides of the ball," Tortorella said. "He is a coach with outstanding character and will be a positive influence in our program. We are very happy to have him here at IUP."
Pecora expressed enthusiasm about returning to Indiana.
"I'm extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity at IUP," Pecora said. "The timing of this opening in my life feels special, and it means a lot to return to the place where I finished my playing career. One of the things I loved most about IUP was the expectations and standards of excellence within the program. I want to thank Coach Tortorella and the coaching staff for the opportunity to help lead a premier Division II program. I'm excited to learn from them and help continue that success."
Getsy comes to IUP after eight years as a high school head coach. He served as head coach at Charleroi and Franklin Regional and has been an assistant coach at multiple programs since 1998.
"We are excited to have Lance Getsy join our staff as our new tight ends coach. Lance has experience as a successful, longtime high school coach in the WPIAL. With our extensive use of tight ends in our offense, Lance will be an integral part of our offensive staff," Tortorella said.
Getsy was a two-year letter winner at Slippery Rock, playing tight end and halfback from 1994-96. He graduated in May 1999 with a bachelor's degree in sport management. He also earned a master's degree in special education from California (Pa.) in 2013.
At Franklin Regional, Getsy led the Panthers to the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs in four of his five seasons as head coach. He was named conference coach of the year in 2022 after leading his team to a Big East Conference championship.
At Charleroi, he led the team to the 2018 Century Conference championship and earned Century Conference coach of the year, Mon Valley Finest 25 coach of the year and TRICADA coach of the year honors.
"I'm excited to join the IUP football program as the new tight ends coach," Getsy said. "Becoming a member of this historic program under Coach Tortorella, working with a top-tier coaching staff, and having the opportunity to coach student-athletes at this university is an exciting time for my family and me."
