| Nationality |  United States |
|---|---|
| Past Teams | Wroclaw Panthers |
| Age | 57 |
Craig Kuligowski has long been known as a sculptor of defensive fronts, molding raw talent into relentless pass-rushers. To many, he is “Coach Kool” — a mentor whose fiery energy, meticulous teaching, and tireless passion for line play have left a lasting imprint on programs across the United States. From his early playing days at Toledo to his rise as one of college football’s most respected defensive line coaches, Kuligowski’s career has been marked by both consistency and creativity. “He’s the kind of coach who makes you want to run through a wall for him,” former players often say, and the sack totals under his guidance speak volumes. In 2025, he crossed the Atlantic, taking on his first head coaching job with the Wrocław Panthers of the European League of Football — a bold new chapter that extended his influence into international football.
Previous Stations
- Toledo Rockets – Offensive Lineman (1987–1990)
- University of Toledo – Graduate Assistant (1992–1997)
- University of Missouri – Defensive Line Coach (1996–2015)
- University of Miami – Defensive Line Coach (2016–2018)
- University of Alabama – Defensive Analyst (2019–2020)
- University of Toledo – Co-Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Line Coach (2022–2024)
- Wrocław Panthers (ELF) – Head Coach (2025)
Achievements
Team Achievements
- Helped Missouri to 10 bowl games and multiple SEC Championship appearances
- Part of Alabama staff during 2019–2020 seasons, including a CFP National Championship (2020)
- Contributed to Miami’s 10-win season in 2017, highlighted by the “Turnover Chain” era
- Appointed Head Coach of Wrocław Panthers for the 2025 ELF season
Personal Achievements
- Named FootballScoop Defensive Line Coach of the Year (2014)
- Produced multiple All-Conference and All-American defensive linemen
- Widely regarded for developing future NFL talent, including Aldon Smith, Sheldon Richardson, Michael Sam, Charles Harris, and Calais Campbell
- Made history as one of the most high-profile U.S. college coaches to lead an ELF franchise
Selected Statistics
- Missouri ranked top 10 nationally in sacks multiple seasons under his coaching
- Miami Hurricanes finished top 5 nationally in tackles for loss (2017)
- Coached defensive lines that consistently ranked among the best in pressure rates and quarterback hits
- Guided Wrocław Panthers in the ELF 2025 season before parting ways mid-year
Other
- Nicknamed “Coach Kool” by his players for his approachable yet demanding style
- Known for high-energy drills and detailed pass-rush technique teaching
- Frequently praised by colleagues as one of the best developers of talent in college football
- His move to Wrocław was seen as a groundbreaking hire, signaling ELF’s pull in attracting top U.S. coaching names
- Married with children; often highlights the importance of family in interviews
- Has spoken at coaching clinics across the U.S. and internationally, sharing line play expertise
