Michael Toerper Selected as Head Coach of Ithaca College Football Team

By Justin Lutes, February 19, 2022

Toerper coached at Ithaca from 2017 to 2019.

Michael Toerper spent three seasons as the Bombers' defensive coordinator.

(Photo by Mark Seliger)

After an extensive national search, Susan Bassett '79, Associate Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports, is thrilled to announce that Michael Toerper has been named as the next head coach of the Ithaca College football program. Toerper will officially begin his appointment on March 1.

“It is with a twinkle in my eye and joy in my heart that I welcome Michael back to Ithaca to serve as our new head football coach,” Bassett said. “Coach Toerper emerged from an exceptionally competitive national search as the best next leader for Ithaca College football. Through this rigorous search, Coach Toerper effectively articulated a vision for the program in all phases, from recruiting, x's and o's, and training to academic excellence and our citizenship in the community, that earned the unanimous confidence of everyone involved in this important selection process.”

“Coach Toerper exudes passion, knowledge of the game, and leadership qualities and exemplifies Bomber values of commitment, attention to detail, respect, and integrity. I have every confidence that he will build on the success of our student-athletes on the playing field, in the classroom, and as community members.”

Susan Bassett '79, Associate Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports

He succeeds Dan Swanstrom, who announced on January 24 that he would be departing after five seasons as head coach to become offensive coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania.

Toerper, who is no stranger to the IC program, served as the defensive coordinator for the Bombers from 2017-19. He then departed to become the safeties coach at Division I Holy Cross for the past two seasons and contributed to turning that Crusaders defense into one of the top units in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 2021

“It was evident from the first moment I arrived at Ithaca College in 2017 that the athletics traditions and alumni support are unmatched. I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to lead a talented group of players alongside a driven coaching staff.”

Michael Toerper

“My family and I are excited to return to the South Hill. I want to thank Susan Bassett, the football alumni review committee, and the on-campus search committee for their support throughout the process,” stated Toerper. “It was evident from the first moment I arrived at Ithaca College in 2017 that the athletics traditions and alumni support are unmatched. I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to lead a talented group of players alongside a driven coaching staff.”

A 2008 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Toerper had a seven-year stint at Johns Hopkins University before arriving at IC. While at Hopkins, Toerper spent three seasons (2010-12) as the wide receivers coach and was elevated to special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach in 2013. He also took over recruiting coordinator duties in 2014. Hopkins won the Centennial Conference championships all seven seasons in which Toerper was part of the staff.

Prior to his arrival in Baltimore to work at Hopkins, Toerper spent one season as a defensive assistant at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

As a player for the Division I Pitt Panthers, the York, Pa., native saw action in 36 games over three seasons as a defensive back and special teams contributor. He earned a scholarship with the program after joining the team as a walk-on.

“I would like to thank our football alumni review committee, chaired by Marc Hudak '90; our department search committee; and our campus colleagues who met with candidates. Their contribution to this process has been incredibly valuable in making this important hire,” said Bassett.

Toerper’s wife Leigh ’15 was a former track and field standout at Ithaca.

“I can't wait to get started. It's a great day to be a Bomber,” he said.