Kean University Associate Head Football Coach Dan Garrett has been named the NCAA Division III Assistant Football Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.

Garrett was one of five assistant coaches, one from each of the five different divisions of college football, selected for their dedication to their teams and communities.

Also the Defensive Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Kean, Garrett just concluded his third season on the sidelines at Kean and ninth overall season as an assistant coach, all alongside current Kean Head Coach Charlie Cocuzza. 

The Cougars have been ranked among the New Jersey Athletic Conference and national leaders during his tenure at Kean. In his first season in 2003, the Cougars ranked first in the NJAC in pass defense and were second in the conference and 21st in the nation in total defense.  This past season, Kean ranked 33rd in the country in rushing defense, while also finishing second in the conference in turnover margin.

During his coaching career, Garrett has mentored three NJAC Defensive Players of the Year, including Kean linebacker Steve Skakum in 2004.      

Off the field, Garrett remains active in the community, as he helps organize book readings at the local elementary schools as part of the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day, celebrated annually on the beloved Dr. Seuss’ birthday.  In addition he also helps coordinate a pen pal program with 24 members of the Kean football team and students at Lyndhurst (N.J.) Elementary School.  

Garrett runs a Pop Warner Youth Football Clinic in Shrewsbury Boro, N.J. during the summer, while also working with other youth league football teams in Watchung Hills, N.J.  In addition, he volunteers with the Wee Run Wild 5K race held at Kean University, which benefits the Children’s Museum of Central New Jersey, and along with six football players, teaches around 100 third grade students the sport of football each spring.

An active member of the AFCA and New Jersey Football Coaching Association, Garrett has served on the AFCA Luncheon Committee for the past four years.