Mike Katz serves as William Paterson football's special teams coordinator, running backs and tight ends coach during the 2018 season, his fifth as a Pioneer assistant coach. Previously, Katz mentored the running backs (2017), and he was the linebackers coach and special teams coordinator for three seasons (2005-07). During his tenure, Katz has guided linebacker Shadee Davis to All-American status, while Kareem Moon led the nation in kick return average in 2007.
Prior to rejoining the Pioneer coaching staff, Katz was part of the Marauders' staff of Saint Peter's Prep from 2011-2014 and coached the defensive backs, tight ends and coordinated the special teams for one of the top high school football programs in the country. Under his guidance, star defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick excelled and was named all-state before accepting a scholarship offer from the University of Alabama and becoming a first-round selection of the Miami Dolphins in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Prior to entering the collegiate coaching ranks, Katz had spent over two decades at some of the best high school football programs in New Jersey, amassing three state titles.
In high school, Katz played for the legendary Lou Rettino at Union and earned Daily News all-Metro honors as a center in 1987. He earned a bachelor’s degree in management and business information systems at Montclair State University in 2001. A business teacher at Union High School, Katz resides in Cranford with his wife, Donna, and their three children -- Connor, Ryan and Jake.