.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Photo by: Brown Athletics
Football Announces Two Coaching Staff Promotions
6/4/2026 2:17:00 PM | Football
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown head football coach James Perry has announced two promotions for members of his coaching staff. Dan Mulrooney will now assume the title of Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, and Phil DeCapito will serve as the Defensive Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach.
"Dan and Phil have done a terrific job with our guys over the last couple of years," Perry said. "I look forward to watching them grow and am excited see how they will continue to help our program move forward."
Mulrooney made a huge impact on the Bears' defense in his first season on staff in 2025, when he served as the Defensive Coordinator. Brown ranked first in the Ivy League with 21 takeaways, a nearly a 100 percent increase from the previous season. Brown also ranked third in the league with 11 interceptions and led the league in both forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. Brown ranked second in the league with 22.0 sacks and allowed its fewest yards per game in 10 years. Brown posted its first shutout in 13 years, and its win over URI in the Governor's Cup was its first top-10 win since 1981.
Individually, Mulrooney also coached linebacker John Perdue, who was named an Academic All-American and was Brown's first Associated Press All-American since 2006.
"I'm very thankful to Coach Perry for his trust and leadership," Mulrooney said. "Our focus remains the same – developing exceptional young men, building a championship culture, and helping Brown football reach its full potential. I'm really excited for the future."
DeCapito is entering his third season on staff and will add the title of Defensive Run Game Coordinator to his role after serving as the Defensive Line Coach the last two seasons. In 2025, DeCapito's defensive front helped the Bears rank second in the Ivy League with 21.0 sacks in 10 games, the most by Brown since the 2017 season, and Brown allowed the fewest points per game since 2016. Defensive end Ike Odimegwu ranked second in the Ivy League in sacks, and 16th in the FCS in sacks per game. Through his first two seasons, three Bears defensive linemen have earned All-Ivy honors.
"I'm very honored and thankful for this promotion," DeCapito said. "Coach Perry has put me in the position to excel as a coach at Brown. I am grateful to the players that have worked with me to achieve what we have on the field. I am excited for the future of Brown football because we are building something special."
The Bears will open the 2026 season on Saturday, September 19 at New Haven.
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
"Dan and Phil have done a terrific job with our guys over the last couple of years," Perry said. "I look forward to watching them grow and am excited see how they will continue to help our program move forward."
Mulrooney made a huge impact on the Bears' defense in his first season on staff in 2025, when he served as the Defensive Coordinator. Brown ranked first in the Ivy League with 21 takeaways, a nearly a 100 percent increase from the previous season. Brown also ranked third in the league with 11 interceptions and led the league in both forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. Brown ranked second in the league with 22.0 sacks and allowed its fewest yards per game in 10 years. Brown posted its first shutout in 13 years, and its win over URI in the Governor's Cup was its first top-10 win since 1981.
Individually, Mulrooney also coached linebacker John Perdue, who was named an Academic All-American and was Brown's first Associated Press All-American since 2006.
"I'm very thankful to Coach Perry for his trust and leadership," Mulrooney said. "Our focus remains the same – developing exceptional young men, building a championship culture, and helping Brown football reach its full potential. I'm really excited for the future."
DeCapito is entering his third season on staff and will add the title of Defensive Run Game Coordinator to his role after serving as the Defensive Line Coach the last two seasons. In 2025, DeCapito's defensive front helped the Bears rank second in the Ivy League with 21.0 sacks in 10 games, the most by Brown since the 2017 season, and Brown allowed the fewest points per game since 2016. Defensive end Ike Odimegwu ranked second in the Ivy League in sacks, and 16th in the FCS in sacks per game. Through his first two seasons, three Bears defensive linemen have earned All-Ivy honors.
"I'm very honored and thankful for this promotion," DeCapito said. "Coach Perry has put me in the position to excel as a coach at Brown. I am grateful to the players that have worked with me to achieve what we have on the field. I am excited for the future of Brown football because we are building something special."
The Bears will open the 2026 season on Saturday, September 19 at New Haven.
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
Players Mentioned
DL
/ Football
LB
/ FootballMonday, April 13
Tuesday, January 20
Wednesday, November 26
Monday, November 24
