The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Darnell Stapleton as the team's assistant offensive line coach.Â
Stapleton joins the Commanders after serving as an assistant coach/offensive line coach for the University of Florida 2022-23. Stapleton brings 11 years of collegiate coaching experience to Washington. Before landing in Florida, Stapleton served as an offensive line coach for Louisiana Lafeyette (2021), Sam Houston State (2018-20), and Bucknell (2014-17). Beginning his college coaching career as a graduate assistant Rutgers in 2013, Stapleton additionally coached for Montclair Academy in 2013 along with coaching the New York Sharks in the Women's professional football league the previous year.
In 2022, Stapleton worked alongside offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Rob Sale on the offensive line. The Gators finished the regular season as the best in the conference in yards per carry (5.84). Florida ran the ball for an average of 213.7 yards per game in 2022, which ranked 16th in the FBS and third in the SEC.
Stapleton's offensive line unit produced two NFL products via the 2023 NFL Draft including O'Cyrus Torrence who was drafted by Buffalo in the second round, and tackle Richard Gouraige who was signed by the Bills as an undrafted free agent. Torrence became first Gators offensive guard to be named a Consensus All-American, and the fifth lineman in Florida history.
Prior to his tenure in Florida, Stapleton helped lead the Ragin' Cajuns to a Sun Belt Conference championship in 2021. The unit was responsible for 31 rushing touchdowns and 2,496 rushing yards, ranking 14th and 24th in the nation.
From 2018-20, Stapleton served as the offensive line coach and the run game coordinator for Sam Houston State. In 2019, running back Donovan Williams finished second in the Southland conference in rushing with 925 yards and 14 touchdowns. Â
Prior to his tenure with Sam Houston State, Stapleton served as the offensive line coach at Bucknell University (2014-17). He coached Julién Davenport, who earned First Team All-America honors and became Bucknell's first NFL Draft pick since 1969 when he was taken in the fourth round by the Houston Texans.
In 2013, Stapleton joined the Rutgers football staff as a graduate assistant working with the offensive line. The Scarlet Knights earned a bowl game appearance along with a Big East title.
As a player, Stapleton was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers (2007-09) and won Super Bowl XLIII at the conclusion of the 2008 season. He started 12 games on the offensive line during his time in Pittsburgh, including the Super Bowl. He played in 16 career games with the Steelers. In 2010, Stapleton spent a season with the Virginia Destroyers in the UFL.
A native of Union Township, New Jersey., Stapleton graduated from Rutgers in 2007 with a degree in business and labor relations.
