University of Delaware Athletics
Football Alum Patrick Callaway Hired as Program’s First General Manager
12/23/2024 3:00:00 PM | Football
"I am very happy to bring Patrick back to Newark as our general manager," Carty said. "He's a Blue Hen who knows what it means to wear the Blue & Gold. I am excited for the passion and enthusiasm he will bring to our program. His knowledge of the sport and experience in scouting and talent evaluation will make him a very valuable asset to Delaware football."
As general manager, Callaway will focus on roster construction and resource allocation. His responsibilities include talent acquisition and retention, budget management, player evaluation, and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.
"I am thrilled to return to the University of Delaware as the general manager to help lead this historic football program into the new era of FBS football," Callaway said. "I am thankful to all of my teammates and coaches that made this a great place to be a student-athlete, and I am excited to help current and future Blue Hens create the same fond memories of the program that I have. I look forward to integrating my 10 years of NFL front office experience along with Coach Carty's vision for Delaware football to help build a Conference USA championship roster. Go Hens!"
Following his graduation from Delaware in 2014, Callaway entered the scouting profession. He spent a year working for Optimum Scouting where he analyzed NFL draft prospects out of the ACC ahead of the 2016 NFL Draft. Callaway joined the Tennessee Titans in 2016, working as a scouting assistant before being promoted to a college area scout in 2017. As a scout, he developed a league-wide reputation for finding gems in the late rounds of the draft as well as undrafted free agency while also contributing to the evaluations of multiple draft picks that developed into Pro Bowl players. He combined traditional scouting methods with analytical data and models to predict the likelihood of success for individual prospects. He also has extensive experience negotiating contracts with undrafted free agents as well as working with the pro scouting department to accurately value NFL free agents.
Callaway was an outstanding linebacker for the Blue Hens from 2011-14, starting in 44 of his 46 career games played and served as a team captain as a senior in 2014. He registered 303 career tackles, one of just 20 players to reach the 300-tackle milestone, and compiled 4.5 sacks, 17 TFLs, five fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, eight pass breakups and two interceptions.
The Decatur, Georgia native earned All-CAA honors as a junior when he was among the national leaders with 120 tackles. Callaway also received All-CAA honors as a senior and was a four-time CAA Academic Honor Roll selection. He was Delaware's nominee for the CAA's Chuck Boone Leadership Award as a senior.
Callaway earned his undergraduate degree in Sport Management in 2014 and MBA in 2016 from the University of Delaware's Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics.
"Having Patrick return to the 302 to serve as our first-ever general manager is a terrific moment and critical hire for us," Rawak said. "His knowledge from his time in the NFL only furthered the foundation he developed during his time at Delaware. His skillset, ability to build relationships and his knowledge of the game is exactly what we need as we transition to Conference USA and the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. It's a thrill to welcome Patrick and his wife Jianne to Newark"
Delaware's search for the general manager position was assisted by The 33rd Team, a Football Think Tank, Data and Media company consisting of current and former NFL executives, coaches and players. The 33rd Team helps universities navigate the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), revenue sharing, and other dynamic regulations, providing practical, experienced-based strategies to build winning programs, and maximize opportunities today and in the future.
Season tickets for the 2025 season, Delaware's inaugural campaign at the FBS level, are on sale now. Fans who purchase season tickets by February 28, 2025 can save up to 34 percent on their season ticket packages over single-game ticket prices. The Blue Hens will play six home games at Delaware Stadium, including non-conference contests against Delaware State (Aug. 28) and UConn (Sept. 13). Season ticket members also get first access to away game tickets, including UD's games at Colorado (Sept. 6) and Wake Forest (Nov. 22). The eight-game Conference USA schedule, which consists of four home games, will be announced by February.
What They're Saying…
"Chrissi and her team have so much to be proud of. The rigor they had in this search was really impressive. From touring the facilities to getting to spend time with the staff, it is clear that Delaware has a bright future. We greatly enjoyed being a part of the process. The creation of this position is such a gift to Coach Carty in this new era of college football. Having someone with Patrick's background and experience come in to serve as the point guard of information in this changing landscape will help greatly in their next steps. And the fact that he knows this school so well from his experience as a player at Delaware makes this such a perfect fit."
- Mike Tannenbaum, founder of The 33rd Team and former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst.
"Chrissi, Jordan, and Coach Carty did an unbelievable job in this search. What stood out to me is how open minded they were through it all. From building out the job description to selecting a candidate, they had an iterative process the entire way while still staying true to what fit their program. It was a pleasure getting to work with them. Patrick's passion for being a Blue Hen, connections in important recruiting regions for Delaware, and ability to apply his NFL experience stood out in our conversations with him. He is a natural fit with what Coach Carty has built in Newark already. Delaware football is in great hands as they turn the page to 2025."
- Ethan Young, client director at The 33rd Team
"Patrick's diligent evaluations of players and his ability to express himself in a clear manner have proved to be a great asset for me in placing contract valuations on players of varying talent levels. He is the ultimate team player, as his consistently positive attitude promotes a great work environment."
- Vin Marino, Tennessee Titans Vice President of Football Administration
"Delaware Athletics and our program got better today with the hire of UD football alum Pat Callaway as our first GM. I could not think of a more qualified person to help lead our football program into the new age of college athletics than Pat. His experience in the NFL and working for the Tennessee Titans, coupled with his work with capologists, agents and analysts will serve us well as we head into FBS and Conference USA. It's always great to bring back a proUD alum to UD! I'm thrilled for Pat, his wife Jianne and our Fightin' Blue Hens!"
- Jerry Oravitz, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Football
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