Joseph Purzycki (born February 20, 1947) is a former American football coach. He served as the head football coach at Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware from 1981 to 1984 and James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia from 1985 to 1990, compiling a career college football coaching record of 55–51–3. Purzycki played college football at the University of Delaware and was later an assistant coach at his alma mater, where he learned the Wing T offense from head coach Tubby Raymond.[1] When Purzycki was hired as the head football coach at Delaware State in January 1981, he became the first white man appointed to that role for the historically black school. Many students and players had expected Delaware State to hire Billy Joe, an African American who had played professionally in the American Football League (AFL) and was then an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). Some students and players protested Purzycki's hiring.[2]

Joe Purzycki
Biographical details
Born (1947-02-20) February 20, 1947 (age 77)
Playing career
1967–1970Delaware
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1971Kearny HS (NJ) (assistant)
1972–1974Woodbridge HS (DE)
1975–1977Caesar Rodney HS (DE)
1978–1980Delaware (DB)
1981–1984Delaware State
1985–1990James Madison
Head coaching record
Overall55–51–3 (college)
Tournaments0–1 (NCAA D-I-AA playoffs)
Accomplishments and honors
Awards
MEAC Coach of the Year (1983)

Purzycki was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.[3]

Head coaching record

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College

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs NCAA#
Delaware State Hornets (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) (1981–1984)
1981 Delaware State 2–9 1–4 5th
1982 Delaware State 4–7 2–3 T–4th
1983 Delaware State 7–3–1 3–1 2nd
1984 Delaware State 8–2 3–1 2nd
Delaware State: 21–21–1 9–9
James Madison Dukes (NCAA Division I-AA independent) (1985–1990)
1985 James Madison 5–6
1986 James Madison 5–5–1
1987 James Madison 9–3 L NCAA Division I-AA First Round 8
1988 James Madison 5–6
1989 James Madison 5–4–1
1990 James Madison 5–6
James Madison: 34–30–2
Total: 55–51–3

References

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  1. ^ Ireland, Jack (January 23, 1981). "Purzycki sure he'll produce at DelState". The Morning News. Wilmington, Delaware. p. B7. Retrieved July 29, 2021 – via Newspapers.com  .
  2. ^ Ireland, Jack (January 23, 1981). "Protest develops against Purzycki". The Morning News. Wilmington, Delaware. p. B7. Retrieved July 29, 2021 – via Newspapers.com  .
  3. ^ "Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in Wilmington, Delaware - 2005". www.desports.org.