Wednesday, November 29, 2023
by Marist Athletics Communications

POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – One of the classiest men who has ever patrolled a sideline, Marist head football coach Jim Parady announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon.

Parady was the longest-tenured head coach in Division I football. He served as the Red Foxes’ head coach since 1992, and he guided the program through over three decades of growth from Division III to the MAAC Football League to the Pioneer Football League. Parady won 155 games at Marist, captured four league championships, earned three Coach of the Year awards, and had two players appear in NFL games.

“I am proud of what we accomplished at Marist,” Parady said. “I am grateful to all the great student-athletes I've had the chance to work with. It has been incredible to see them in their life after graduation and seeing them as husbands, fathers, having successful professional careers, and giving back to Marist and their own communities. I will always cherish my time leading this program. I'd also like to thank all the fantastic administration and staff I've worked with who help make Marist a special place, and I wish them success moving forward.” 

Beyond the quantitative success lies the legacy of a man who always put others first. His grace, class, and selfless nature left an indelible mark on the program.

“Marist has been fortunate to have someone of Jim Parady’s character for the last 33 years,” Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray said. “He is beloved by his players and has made an impact in their lives that extends far beyond the field. I thank Coach Parady for his steadfast leadership and I know I speak for everyone at Marist College when I say we have been blessed with someone of Jim’s integrity. I personally wish (his wife) Kristen, (daughter) Sarah, and (son) Brett much time together.”

Parady initially came to Marist in 1991. That season, he served as the Red Foxes’ offensive coordinator under Rick Pardy. When Pardy accepted another position following the season, Parady was elevated to head coach.

The 1992 season marked Parady’s first as head coach and the Red Foxes’ final one as a Division III program. Marist joined Division I-AA (now Football Championship Subdivision) in 1993, and the MAAC Football League in 1994. Parady guided the Red Foxes to a MAAC championship in their first year in the league, and then added two more MAAC championships in 2006 and 2007. He led the Red Foxes to seven consecutive winning seasons from 1994 through 2000.

After competing as an FCS independent in 2008, Marist joined the Pioneer Football League in the 2009 season. Parady guided the Red Foxes to a share of the PFL championship season in 2013. That year, the Red Foxes set a Division I program record with eight wins. Parady was named PFL Coach of the Year in that historic season, and Terrence Fede was honored as PFL Defensive Player of the Year. 

It was during this time that Marist began to make an impact in the NFL. Michael Rios became the first Marist football player to sign an NFL contract when he joined the Arizona Cardinals on a free-agent deal in 2013. The following spring, Fede became the first Marist football player selected in the NFL Draft when he was chosen by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round. He was the first Red Fox to appear in an NFL game. Fede played for Miami from 2014-17, and later appeared in NFL training camps with the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants.

In 2015, Fede was joined in the NFL by Jason Myers, who was a kicker for the Red Foxes from 2009-12. Myers kicked for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2015-17. He then became the first Marist football player selected to the Pro Bowl as a member of the New York Jets in the 2018 season. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, and he was selected to his second Pro Bowl in the 2022 season. Myers signed his second multi-year contract with Seattle in 2023, and he is now in his ninth year in the NFL.

In his Marist tenure, Parady coached 88 First Team All-League selections, 111 Second Team All-League selections, eight major award winners, and four FCS Academic All-Stars.

Scott Rumsey will serve as Marist’s interim head coach. Rumsey has been the program’s associate head coach the past 19 years, defensive coordinator for the last 23 years, and has been on staff for 26 years.

A national search for Parady’s successor will begin immediately. Marist College has retained the services of Parker Executive Search to assist in this process.