The Princeton University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that a generous gift has been made to endow the Princeton Football defensive coordinator position. This gift, from Don Grasso ’76, further celebrates more than 150 years of tradition, brotherhood and success emblematic of Princeton Football.
“On behalf of the football program, we thank Don for this generous gift that will have a tremendous impact on our program,” said Steve Verbit P05 h54, who currently serves as chief of staff for Princeton Football after previously spending 40 years on the defensive coaching staff, including 25 years as defensive coordinator. “It has been a great honor to be part of such a special community for more than 40 years and to have the opportunity to coach and develop so many extraordinary student-athletes at Princeton.”
The endowment of the defensive coordinator position follows the announcement of the Class of 1976 Offensive Coordinator Endowment Fund last November, an effort also led by Grasso in honor of his fellow classmates in celebration of their 50th Reunion.
“This team is full of scholar-athletes who are shining examples of what makes Princeton University special, and this newly endowed position will better empower them to reach their goals on the field while having a transformative experience here at Princeton,” said Charles W. Caldwell Jr. ’25 Head Coach of Football Bob Surace ’90. “Furthermore, it will help fund some of the most pressing team needs as we continue our pursuit of Ivy titles and national competitiveness.”
Grasso cited the importance of celebrating and honoring the lasting transformative impact created through his collegiate career and the relationships formed while representing the Orange and Black as inspiration for his generous gift.
“I’m very grateful to be a part of the Princeton Football family,” said Grasso. “I credit Bob Surace and Steve Verbit for warmly welcoming me back, and it brings me immense joy to support the program in such a meaningful way.”
Dating back to the inaugural intercollegiate football game in 1869, the football program is steeped in history and traditionally has been among the best in the Ivy League and nationally. The Tigers have won an intercollegiate football record 28 national championships, 13 Ivy League championships and one Heisman Trophy (Dick Kazmaier ’52). As a group, the Tigers have secured 56 first-team All-American honors, and 47 former players have gone on to represent the Tigers in the National Football League.
“We are thrilled to announce another outstanding commitment to Princeton Football,” said Ford Family Director of Athletics John Mack ’00. “One of our top departmental priorities is to endow coaching positions as they are incredibly impactful for our programs. We are so pleased that the football program will benefit in such a meaningful way and truly grateful to Don for his ongoing generosity and support of Princeton Football.”
An official naming of the position will be released at a later date.
For information about supporting Princeton Athletics, contact Kellie Staples, senior associate director of Athletics, Advancement/SWA at kgale@princeton.edu or 609.258.6696.
A version of this story appeared initially on the Princeton Athletics website.
