The St. John Fisher University football program has ushered in a new era with the appointment of Ed Raby Jr. as its head coach. Announced by Interim Athletic Director Jennifer Granger and Vice President for Enrollment Jose Perales, Raby steps into the role previously held by the esteemed Paul Vosburgh, who retired in November after an impressive three decades leading the Cardinals. Raby’s arrival signals an exciting chapter for St. John Fisher football, bringing fresh leadership and a proven track record of success to the Division III program.
Perales expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Ed Raby, Jr. as our new head football coach. His proven leadership, dedication and passion for the game align perfectly with the values and ambitions of our athletic program. Building upon the remarkable legacy established by Coach Paul Vosburgh, we are confident that Ed’s vision will propel our football program to even greater achievements. We eagerly anticipate the positive influence Coach Raby will have on our student-athletes, both on the field and within the Fisher community.”
Raby becomes only the eighth head coach to lead the St. John Fisher football program in its history. From its humble beginnings as a club team in 1971, the program flourished under Vosburgh’s guidance, transitioning into a respected NCAA Division III contender. Granger echoed Perales’ sentiments, adding, “Coach Raby’s extensive experience in Division III football, particularly within the Empire 8 conference, makes him an ideal fit for St. John Fisher. We are delighted to welcome him to the Fisher Family and are confident in his ability to guide our football program towards continued success.”
A New Era for Cardinals Football
For Raby, the opportunity to lead St. John Fisher football is a dream realized. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to President Gerard J. Rooney, Jose Perales, and Jennifer Granger for entrusting me with the leadership of this program,” Raby stated. “I am incredibly excited, humbled, and proud to be named the next head football coach at St. John Fisher University. In my view, this is one of the premier jobs in Division III football, and I am eager to get started. The unwavering commitment to excellence across all facets of the institution is what drew me to Fisher.”
Raby emphasized the potential of the program and the university, remarking, “St. John Fisher has the potential to cultivate one of the nation’s best Division III football programs. I am truly excited to be part of such a high-caliber institution that prioritizes both athletic and academic achievement. It’s a unique and compelling combination.”
Raby’s Proven Track Record
Raby arrives at St. John Fisher after eight years at SUNY Morrisville, including four seasons as head coach. His tenure at Morrisville saw significant progress for the Mustangs program, marked by two ECAC Bowl appearances. He initially joined Morrisville in 2017 as defensive coordinator and safeties coach, working under Curt Fitzpatrick, a St. John Fisher alumnus from the class of 2004 who notably led SUNY Cortland to a Division III national championship in 2023.
Following Fitzpatrick’s departure in 2020, Raby was appointed interim head coach, later becoming the permanent head coach. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic-affected 2021 season, Raby guided the Mustangs to a 7-4 record in 2022, culminating in an ECAC Robert M. Scotty Whitelaw Bowl berth.
Success at SUNY Morrisville
The 2023 season marked Morrisville’s most successful campaign under Raby’s leadership. The team once again finished 7-4 overall, achieving a 5-2 record in the Empire 8 Conference, and secured a decisive 21-18 victory over Stevenson University in the Robert M. Scotty Whitelaw Bowl. This achievement included the program’s highest number of Empire 8 conference wins in a single season, demonstrating Raby’s ability to build a competitive and winning program.
Defensive Prowess
A hallmark of Raby’s coaching at Morrisville was the consistently strong defensive performance of his teams. In 2022, the Mustangs boasted the stingiest defense in the Empire 8, allowing a mere 11 points per game and just 290.6 yards per game. In the past season, the defense continued to excel, ranking first in turnovers forced and third in both scoring defense (18 points per game) and total defense (310.7 yards per game) within the conference.
Under Raby’s guidance, 48 Morrisville players earned All-Empire 8 honors, with eight players named to the First Team. Linebacker Ernesto Mitchell achieved Empire 8 Co-Defensive Player of the Year recognition and made history as Morrisville’s first D3Football.com All-American in 2022, highlighting Raby’s ability to develop and mentor top-tier talent.
Coaching Journey and Playing Background
Prior to his tenure at Morrisville, Raby spent three years at Allegheny College, serving as defensive line coach for two seasons and linebackers coach for one. He also coached tight ends and defensive linemen at Alfred University in 2014, further broadening his coaching experience across different roles and institutions.
Raby’s own playing experience as a defensive lineman at Division III Alma College (2009-12) provides him with a firsthand understanding of the student-athlete experience at this level. He earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Alfred University in 2014, demonstrating his commitment to both athletic and academic excellence, values he will undoubtedly bring to St. John Fisher football.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Ed Raby Jr. inherits a St. John Fisher football program with a rich history and a solid foundation built by his predecessor, Paul Vosburgh. As the Cardinals embark on this new chapter under Raby’s leadership, there is considerable excitement and optimism surrounding the future of St. John Fisher football. His proven coaching abilities, commitment to player development, and vision for success position him well to lead the Cardinals to continued achievements in the Empire 8 Conference and beyond.
