Ryan Carty
Head Coach
A Delaware alum and member of the 2003 national championship team, Ryan Carty was named the head football coach on Friday, Dec. 10 by Director of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreation Services, Chrissi Rawak. Carty spent the previous four seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Sam Houston.
“I am thrilled to welcome Ryan Carty as the new head coach of our football program”, said UD President Dennis Assanis. “Ryan is a proud Blue Hen who is dedicated to the success of student-athletes, both on the field and in the classroom, and he will bring exceptional creativity, energy and a championship mindset to our talented team. I know all of us — students, alumni, fans and especially Ryan’s former teammates — will be looking forward to next season to cheer him and the Fightin’ Blue Hens to victory.”
“I could not be more excited and proud to bring Coach Carty and his wife Katie home to the University of Delaware,” said Rawak. “We set out to find the best fit for Delaware football and we found an individual that exemplifies everything this University represents. Ryan is a winner and a champion, plain and simple. He has succeeded at every stop because he does it the right way and is committed to a culture of excellence.”
Known for his explosive plays and high-energy offense, Carty was recognized for his offensive success in the spring 2021 season. Named the FCS Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com and to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s “Top 40 Coaches Under 40” list, Carty played an instrumental part in Sam Houston winning the 2020 FCS National Championship as well as advancing to the 2021 FCS quarterfinals.
Carty’s offense helped lead Sam Houston to a 34-10 record from 2018-21 and a 21-1 mark in his final two seasons the past two seasons in Huntsville. The Bearkats had an undefeated regular season in 2021 and advanced to the FCS Quarterfinals. Sam Houston finished the season ranked third in the nation in scoring offense (41.0 ppg), fifth in total offense (490.9 ypg), and sixth in rushing offense (228.2 ypg).
During the Bearkats’ undefeated 10-0 spring season, SHSU ranked first nationally in total yards (4,403), first in touchdowns (45), third in first downs (204), seventh in passing yards per attempt (8.6 ypa), eighth in passing yards per completion (14.3 ypc), ninth in scoring offense (38 ppg), 13th in total offense (440 ypg), and 13th in passing offense (282 ypg).
With a proven record as one of the top offensive coordinators and quarterbacks coaches in the nation, Carty coached SHSU quarterback and Walter Payton Award finalist Eric Schmid to Southland Conference Player of the Year honors on his way to leading the FCS in total passing yards in the spring.
During his four-year stint with Sam Houston, the Bearkats advanced to the playoffs in back-to-back years and won two conference titles.
Prior to his stop in Huntsville, Carty was very familiar with the Colonial Athletic Association after an 11-year run on the New Hampshire coaching staff, including six years as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
During Carty’s stint at New Hampshire, the Wildcats qualified for the FCS playoffs in each of Carty’s six seasons as offensive coordinator, compiling an 8-6 postseason record and reaching the semifinals in 2013 and 2014. The Wildcats garnered seven or more wins every season Carty was on staff. As the offensive coordinator, UNH quarterbacks combined for 18,656 Yards and 171 TDs in 80 contests with Carty leading the offense.
Carty, a team captain during his 2006 senior campaign, earned his bachelor’s degree in management from Delaware in 2006.
A native of Branchburg, N.J., Carty and his wife, Katie, are happy to join the Blue Hen family.