University of Delaware Athletics
Yahner Joins Coaching Staff As Linebackers Coach
3/2/2020 10:31:00 AM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – Many ties connected Rich Yahner to the University of Delaware football staff, and now, he's part of it, with Head Coach Danny Rocco announcing Yahner as the Blue Hens' new linebackers coach.
Yahner, who previously worked with former Blue Hen staffer Manny Rojas at Lafayette, brings over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience to Newark.
"We are all very excited to welcome Rich and his wife, Jaissa, to our Blue Hen football family. Rich and I share a number of common experiences and mentors throughout our professional journey," Rocco said. "Coach Yahner has been trained in the same system and his transition will be seamless. He will be an outstanding role model and teacher for our student-athletes.
While with the Leopards for two seasons, Yahner coached four All-League performers, while also assistant the special teams units.
Prior to Lafayette, he had stops at San Diego Mesa Junior College and Seton Hill University, after three seasons at Penn State. During his stint at San Diego Mesa Junior College, he coached recently graduated Blue Hen Brandan Hall, who won the Defensive Player of the Year in the conference in 2017.
Yahner got his start in coaching at Clarion University in 1999, before heading to Lehigh for three seasons, University of Virginia for three seasons and two years at Juaniata College.
In all, he has coached 12 All-Conference players, participated in three Bowl games and made two FCS playoffs appearances during his stint at Lehigh.
Yahner, who previously worked with former Blue Hen staffer Manny Rojas at Lafayette, brings over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience to Newark.
"We are all very excited to welcome Rich and his wife, Jaissa, to our Blue Hen football family. Rich and I share a number of common experiences and mentors throughout our professional journey," Rocco said. "Coach Yahner has been trained in the same system and his transition will be seamless. He will be an outstanding role model and teacher for our student-athletes.
While with the Leopards for two seasons, Yahner coached four All-League performers, while also assistant the special teams units.
Prior to Lafayette, he had stops at San Diego Mesa Junior College and Seton Hill University, after three seasons at Penn State. During his stint at San Diego Mesa Junior College, he coached recently graduated Blue Hen Brandan Hall, who won the Defensive Player of the Year in the conference in 2017.
Yahner got his start in coaching at Clarion University in 1999, before heading to Lehigh for three seasons, University of Virginia for three seasons and two years at Juaniata College.
In all, he has coached 12 All-Conference players, participated in three Bowl games and made two FCS playoffs appearances during his stint at Lehigh.
Players Mentioned
DE
/ FootballDelaware Football Postgame Press Conference - 68 Ventures Bowl vs. Louisiana - 12/17/25
Friday, December 19
Delaware Football Postgame Press Conference - UTEP 11/29/25
Saturday, November 29
Delaware Football Weekly Press Conference - Week 14
Monday, November 24
Delaware Football Weekly Press Conference - Week 13
Tuesday, November 18
