Frank Forcucci joins Southern Connecticut State University as the Owls' defensive coordinator for the 2026 season. Forcucci most recently served as defensive coordinator for Western New England University from 2023-2025.
Prior to his three seasons at Western New England, Forcucci was the linebackers coach at University of New Haven, his alma mater, in 2021. That season saw the Chargers accumulate a 10-2 record, which included a perfect 8-0 stand in Northeast 10 Conference play and closed out the season ranked 14th in the American Coaches Football Association (AFCA). Forcucci led standout junior linebacker Khyon Fitzpatrick to 2021 All-America honors, and AFCA All-Second team accolades.
Forcucci served as the head coach of the Hawks of Becker College, in Worcester, Massachusetts from 2016-2021 while also serving as an associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Hawks from 2012-2015. Under the watch of Forcucci, Becker College ranked first in total defense in the conference in 2019 while also ranking first in pass defense during the same season. Forcucci also mentored Michael Bianco, who went on to win the Commonwealth Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.
Prior to joining the Hawks, Forcucci coached at the NCAA Division I level, including his first four years at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1999-2003). Forcucci began his career in Amherst, coaching the defensive line and outside linebackers for the Minutemen. In 2004, Forcucci moved to Central Connecticut State University where he led the Blue Devils to top ten numbers in the nation, including in sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers caused. Forcucci guided linebacker Brian Sullivan, who led the Northeast Conference in sacks and tackles for loss during the 2005 season.
Forcucci then took his talents to Fordham University where he was named Defensive Coordinator in 2006. It took little time for the Rams to be one of the top defensive teams in the Patriot League under the watch of Forcucci. In his first season in the Bronx, Forcucci guided Marcus Taylor to Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year while ranking in the tops of the league in tackles for loss, and turnovers caused. Forcucci and the Fordham Rams won their first Patriot League title since 2002 in 2007, earning their first FCS Playoff bid.
Forcucci traveled east and made a stop at Northeastern University in 2009, leading the defense and defensive backs for one season before returning to New Britain and Central Connecticut State University. Forcucci led the Blue Devils defense back to the top ranks in sacks and pass defense, guiding CCSU to an 8-3 record in 2010. Forcucci spent one additional season back in Amherst, at the University of Massachusetts, leading the defense in 2011 before accepting the job as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Becker College in 2012.
Forcucci was an All-American at New Haven as the member of the baseball program that advanced to four NCAA Division II World Series appearances. He graduated from UNH with a bachelor's degree in financial accounting.
