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Monmouth University football defensive coordinator Louis DiRienzo Jr. has died, the university announced Wednesday. He was 34. According to an obituary, DiRienzo died "unexpectedly" Saturday. A cause of death wasn't announced.
"He loved his family, he loved his players, he loved coaching football," Monmouth head coach Jeff Gallo said on social media.
DiRienzo, a Brick Township resident joined the Monmouth football program in 2025 as linebackers coach and was elevated by Gallo to defensive coordinator for the 2026 season. He previously held the same roles with Springfield College for four years. He also had coaching experience at Rutgers and Wagner.
"He poured into our players and program, making a tremendous impact during his time here," Gallo said in a statement distributed by the school. "We are heartbroken for his wife Allie, daughters Giavanna and Audrina, and his entire family. We will support Lou's family and our players through this difficult time and honor him through our daily work. Lou's presence will remain with our team; energy never dies."
Monmouth football finalizes 2026 coaching staff with new coordinators
A native of Yonkers, DiRienzo starred at nearby New Rochelle High School where he played for his father, head coach Lou DiRienzo Sr., and earned All-State, All-County, All-Section and All-League honors. He went on to play linebacker at Southern Connecticut State University, serving as a team captain before earning his bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2016. DiRienzo later completed his master's degree in physical education from Springfield College in 2018.
DiRienzo is survived by his wife Allie, two daughters, his parents, Carol and Louis DiRienzo Sr., his brother Andrew DiReinzo and his wife, Lou's sister-in-law, Courtney DiRienzo.
More: Monmouth football offense flying high at spring practice, defense retooling
The improved Monmouth defense was a key storyline coming out of spring practices, a testament to DiRienzo's rising profile as a coach. He took over for previous defensive coordinator Lewis Walker, who departed for North Dakota State after the season. Even in just a few months leading the Hawk defense, the returns were promising going into fall camp.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth defensive coordinator Louis DiRienzo Jr. dies at 34
Continue reading...
"He loved his family, he loved his players, he loved coaching football," Monmouth head coach Jeff Gallo said on social media.
DiRienzo, a Brick Township resident joined the Monmouth football program in 2025 as linebackers coach and was elevated by Gallo to defensive coordinator for the 2026 season. He previously held the same roles with Springfield College for four years. He also had coaching experience at Rutgers and Wagner.
"He poured into our players and program, making a tremendous impact during his time here," Gallo said in a statement distributed by the school. "We are heartbroken for his wife Allie, daughters Giavanna and Audrina, and his entire family. We will support Lou's family and our players through this difficult time and honor him through our daily work. Lou's presence will remain with our team; energy never dies."
Monmouth football finalizes 2026 coaching staff with new coordinators
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A native of Yonkers, DiRienzo starred at nearby New Rochelle High School where he played for his father, head coach Lou DiRienzo Sr., and earned All-State, All-County, All-Section and All-League honors. He went on to play linebacker at Southern Connecticut State University, serving as a team captain before earning his bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2016. DiRienzo later completed his master's degree in physical education from Springfield College in 2018.
DiRienzo is survived by his wife Allie, two daughters, his parents, Carol and Louis DiRienzo Sr., his brother Andrew DiReinzo and his wife, Lou's sister-in-law, Courtney DiRienzo.
You must be registered for see images
More: Monmouth football offense flying high at spring practice, defense retooling
The improved Monmouth defense was a key storyline coming out of spring practices, a testament to DiRienzo's rising profile as a coach. He took over for previous defensive coordinator Lewis Walker, who departed for North Dakota State after the season. Even in just a few months leading the Hawk defense, the returns were promising going into fall camp.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth defensive coordinator Louis DiRienzo Jr. dies at 34
Continue reading...
