Coaching Experience
- Defensive Coordinator, Cornell University (2025-)
- Head Coach, Ithaca College (2022-25)
- Assistant Coach, College of the Holy Cross (2020-21)
- Defensive Coordinator, Ithaca College (2017-19)
- Special Teams Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach, Johns Hopkins University (2014-16)
- Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach, Johns Hopkins University (2013)
- Wide Receivers Coach, Johns Hopkins University (2010-12)
- Defensive Assistant, Duquesne University (2009)
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Playing Experience
- University of Pittsburgh (200-508)
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Education
- B.A., Communications, University of Pittsburgh (2008)
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Prior to Cornell
Toerper arrives on East Hill after compiling a 35-10 record (23-2 Liberty League) during his four-year tenure with the Bombers as head coach, leading Ithaca to back-to-back Liberty League championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. He guided one of the nation's elite defensive programs, producing consistent top-tier results.
The Bombers allowed just 14.9 points per game in 2025 and ranked among the top 50 nationally in rushing defense (47th, 98.1 ypg.) and total defense (32nd, 273.1 ypg.). Ithaca led the Liberty League in first downs allowed and red zone defense (.667) while ranking second in the conference in third-down conversion percentage defense (.364). The 2024 defense surrendered just 12.5 points per contest, while the 2022 unit allowed only 12.8 points per game.
Toerper's 2022 season was historic, as Ithaca finished 12-1 and reached the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals. The Bombers posted their first undefeated regular season since 1986 and defeated Cortland before a crowd of 40,232 at Yankee Stadium in the Cortaca Jug. Toerper earned AFCA Region 1 Coach of the Year, D3football.com Region 2 Coach of the Year and Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
In 2023, Ithaca repeated as Liberty League champions with a 6-0 conference record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championship. The Bombers again earned Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year recognition while facing the toughest schedule in Division III.
Prior to becoming head coach, Toerper served as Ithaca's defensive coordinator from 2017-19 under Swanstrom, developing three All-Americans — Pat Minogue, John Hadac and Nick Garone. His 2018 defense ranked among the nation's best, allowing 12.8 points and 259.5 yards per game. All 11 defensive starters earned All-Liberty League honors that season, with Minogue named an AFCA First-Team All-American and Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year.
Toerper spent the 2020-21 seasons as safeties coach at Holy Cross under head coach Bob Chesney, helping build one of the top defenses in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Crusaders allowed just 254.5 yards per game in 2021, ranking first in the FCS, and reached the second round of the playoffs with a 10-3 record.
Toerper spent seven years at Johns Hopkins (2010-16), serving as wide receivers coach and later as special teams coordinator, defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. The Blue Jays won Centennial Conference championships in all seven seasons.
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