As the dean of Pioneer assistants, assistant coach Mark Verdi enters his 33rd season on the sideline in 2018 as a tutor for outside linebackers and, as director of football operations, supervises game-day set up. He also helps the program with in-season recruiting.
Under Verdi’s guidance, the linebackers have played an important role in the Pioneers’ success. Among the many players he has coached include recent Hall of Fame inductee, Brian Hurbert, and former outside linebacker coach Randi Moore.
Prior to his arrival at LIU Post, Verdi coached for two seasons as both the offensive backfield and linebackers coach at St. John’s University. During his time there, one of his top players was Bryan Collins, today the Pioneers’ head coach.
Verdi began his coaching career at the high school level in the fall of 1981 as defensive backs coach for his alma mater, Holy Cross High School. He followed that with two years as defensive coordinator at Cardinal Hayes High School.
Verdi is an instructor for Earth and Environmental Sciences at Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood, N.Y. He currently resides in Garden City South and is recently engaged to his fiancee Michelle. He is the proud father of daughter, Taylor Anne.