Mark Nofri MAT ’96

Faculty/Staff Alumni Award

Mark Nofri, head football coach at Sacred Heart University, is one of the most successful leaders in program history. Since taking over the football program in 2012, Nofri has built SHU into a consistent gridiron powerhouse, leading the team to multiple Northeast Conference Championships and several appearances in the NCAA FCS Playoffs. Under his leadership, the Pioneers captured conference titles in 2013, 2014, 2020, and 2021, establishing a culture of toughness, accountability, and sustained excellence.

A SHU assistant and defensive coordinator before becoming head coach, Nofri is widely respected for his ability to develop student-athletes both on and off the field. His teams have earned national recognition for their competitive spirit, strong defense, and disciplined play, while many of his players have received all-conference and All-American honors. Beyond wins and championships, Nofri is known for fostering leadership, academic achievement, and character development, making a lasting impact on generations of student-athletes and the University community. 

He graduated from Keene State in 1993 and earned his master’s degree in education from SHU in 1996. Nofri and his wife, Julie, have two sons: Mark and Mathew.