Robert Morris Loses Defensive Coordinator to FBS Program

MOON TWP, Pa. — No other head coach in the Northeast Conference has had a rougher week than Robert Morris head coach Bernard Clark. The reason for that is in the span of just three days, Clark has lost his offensive coordinator and his defensive coordinator to new jobs.

James Madison, who made the jump from FCS to FBS prior to the 2022 season, hired former Colonials defensive coordinator Dave Plungas as the Dukes’ new linebackers coach, according to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.

The departure of Plungas is a huge blow for the Colonials as his defense performed at a historic level during the 2024 season. Last season, the Colonials defense finished ranked as the 17th scoring defense in the FCS as they allowed just 20.2 points per game after allowing just 14 points or less to five of their last nine opponents.

Additionally, the Colonials’ defense finished ninth in the entire nation with 34 sacks which tied a program record. The unit also finished ranked inside of top-40 nationally for defensive touchdowns (9th), tackle for losses (14th) and total defense (32nd).

Plungas was a key part of the Colonials’ 2019 coaching staff which led the program to their first winning season since 2010.

RELATED: Robert Morris Announces 2025 Football Schedule 

This news comes on the heels of offensive coordinator Josh Firm leaving for a new job which was made official on his X account on Monday when he thanked the coaches and players at Robert Morris. It is unclear where or what his new position is but earlier in the offseason, rumors linked him to an offensive coaching gig of some sorts at Montana State.

Firm, who just completed his third season at Robert Morris and second as the team’s offensive coordinator, was instrumental in developing former Colonials wide receiver Noah Robinson who was an all-conference player.

While Plungas and Firm are big pieces to lose, Clark also saw the departure of defensive line coach Darius Davis earlier in the offseason. Southern Illinois hired Davis to the same role earlier in the offseason.

The departures of Plungas, Firm and Davis coupled with the players that left earlier in the offseason positioned Clark and the Colonials to face their toughest offseason yet.