William Paterson University Athletics

A William Paterson graduate who played tight end for the Pioneers (1977-80), Mike McCourt returned to his roots as a William Paterson assistant coach. He begins his sixth season overall on the William Paterson sideline in 2009, and will again work with the offensive linemen. McCourt also is responsible for the program’s recruiting efforts in Cape May and Nassau (N.Y.) Counties.

This marks McCourt’s second stint on the Pioneer sideline, as he previously served as the tight ends coach in 1982. In 2005, he worked with the program’s running backs, turned his focus to the offensive line in 2006, and served as the special teams coordinator in 2008. During each of his three seasons working with the offensive line, one of McCourt’s charges earned all-conference laurels (Tim Dolan, 2006; Chuck Patterson, 2007; Jeffrey Arista, 2008).

McCourt spent 23 years on the high school level. Prior to serving as the defensive coordinator/wide receivers coach at Waldwick High School in 2004, he was the defensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Cresskill High School (1992-2003) and Sidney (N.Y.) High School (1989-90). After leaving William Paterson, he mentored the offensive and defensive lines at Elsik High School in Houston (1983-88).

A 1977 graduate of Brick Township High School, McCourt is a special education teacher at Cresskill High School. He completed bachelor’s (1982) and master’s (1997) degrees in special education at William Paterson. McCourt resides in West Milford with his wife, Karen, and their three children -- Maggie Lynn, Kelly and Kyle. Kelly was a member of the Pioneer women’s basketball team last winter, while Kyle is a first-year member of the WP football program.