Tyler Cottle has been named interim head football coach at Misericordia University, Chuck Edkins, director of athletics, has announced.
 

"I am pleased to name Tyler Cottle as interim head coach of the Misericordia football team," said Edkins.  "He has a proven track record of recruiting and retaining excellent student-athletes.  His experience and leadership will ensure that our student-athletes continue to enjoy a positive experience."

 

Cottle spent the last three years as the defensive coordinator for the Cougars.  He will replace John Davis, who resigned after three seasons due to personal reasons.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the head football coach at Misericordia University," said Cottle.  "I am proud to be a part of what we've established here.  Misericordia is a special place and we are able to attract special student-athletes.  I look forward to continuing to build on the success that we've had."

Under Cottle, the MU defense was third in the MAC and 30^th in the country in yards allowed per game at 273.3 in 2023.  The Cougars led the MAC and finished 14^th in the nation in first down defense (144) in 2023.

 

The Cougars ranked in the top five in the MAC and top 25 in the nation in pass yards per game (150.9), sacks (30) and opponent's third-down conversion (29.0%).

 

During Cottle's tenure, the MU defense has set individual school single-game, season and career records for tackles for loss, interceptions, sacks and forced fumbles while five MU players have earned All-MAC status.

 

Previously, Cottle served as a defensive assistant coach and co-special teams coordinator at his alma mater, Juniata College from 2019-20.

 

Prior to that, he was the defensive backs coach and co-special teams coordinator at Bates College where he mentored a second-team All-NESCAC honoree and saw the team improve in pass yards allowed per game from 276.1 to 177.3.  Cottle also coached in the HBCU Spirit of America All-Star game.

 

Cottle has also coached at Seton Hill College (2013-17) and Becker College (2012-13).

 

He earned his B.S. in Sports Management from Juniata College where he was a four-year letterman.