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Monmouth Flying to a New Era in 2026

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Kyle Ferreira

Kevin Callahan is a Monmouth University icon. A legend some might say. 


The college football community often praises those who have played an important role in the sport’s history. Whether they created a scheme, invented new ways to develop their players, or were simply just amazing at winning, those who helped the game deserve to be honored.


For Callahan, his legacy is one that will forever be cherished at Monmouth. 


The Hawks’ first season of college football came in 1993. For the first 33 seasons of the program's history, Callahan was the program’s only head coach. 


In the 33 seasons with the program Callahan essentially built, there was so much success to be found. Seven conference titles, multiple Coach of the Year honors, many All-Americans, a few appearances in the FCS Playoffs. All of this came under the leadership of Callahan. 


Notably, Callahan coached Pro Bowler Miles Austin, who was a standout during his time in West Long Branch.  


Looking back at the 2025 season for Monmouth, it was a very successful one. The Hawks finished 9-3 (6-2 in conference play) and fourth in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). Led by an incredible offense, the Hawks were ranked all season and they upset a ranked Villanova squad at home. 


Before injuries derailed his 2025 season, quarterback Derek Robertson continued his excellent play from the 2024 season and had 27 passing touchdowns and only five interceptions. Unfortunately, he went down vs Stony Brook and missed the rest of the season. It was a bitter sweet ending for the 2024 CAA Offensive Player of the Year, who will hopefully continue his football journey in the pros.


Robertson was invited to the Jacksonville Jaguars rookie minicamp in May, but did not receive a contract. 


After the season, it was time for a change in the program. Last December, it was announced that Callahan would be shifting to a special advisor role within the athletic department. As a result, the longest-tenured head coach in the FCS will no longer be the man operating the program. 


His replacement, however, is the right man for the position. 


Jeff Gallo needs no introduction to the Monmouth faithful at all. As a player, Gallo was outstanding on the offensive line, earning First Team All-NEC honors in his senior season (2003). 


Throughout his coaching journey, Gallo has been a vital piece of Monmouth’s coaching staff. Hired in 2005, Gallo has been their tight ends coach, their offensive coordinator and their associate head coach. 


Over the past few seasons, under Gallo, his offenses have produced some of the best numbers in all of the FCS. From 2022 to 2025, players like Jaden Shirden and Rodney Nelson have captured the CAA’s Offensive Player of the Year Award. Elevating Gallo to HC should be a home run for Monmouth, given that their offensive has been flourishing in recent seasons. 


As a result of Gallo taking over the HC role, QB coach Jimmy Robertson was promoted to OC. Side note, I had an opportunity to meet Coach Robertson when he was the HC at FDU (D3) in 2021. It was a recruiting visit and probably the strangest one he’s ever conducted.  


Defensively, improvement is desperately needed. The past two seasons under defensive coordinator Lewis Walker were inconsistent and with Louis DiRienzo Jr. elevated to DC, the results will hopefully be better on that side of the ball. The addition of a few transfer portal players and the return of safety Jaeden Jones should help them.


With some of the strong changes, Monmouth has a chance at making a run towards the FCS Playoffs in 2026. The CAA in recent seasons has seemingly been on a downward spiral with some of their most prominent football members leaving. Delaware left for Conference USA a year ago and now Villanova is joining the Patriot League for football. 


Rhode Island and New Hampshire should continue to provide Monmouth with some headaches as both schools made the FCS Playoffs in 2025. While the Hawks won’t have to face Rhode Island this season, they will have to travel to New Hampshire to face the Wildcats. 


The schedule for the Hawks is also a road heavy one with seven games being played away from Kessler Stadium. This includes a trip to Tennessee Tech, who were in the 2025 FCS Playoffs, and the winner of the MAC, Western Michigan. 


Monmouth’s first three home games are spaced out as well:


9/5 - Sacred Heart 

10/3 - Towson (Homecoming)

10/31- Bryant


While Callahan is no longer the HC, the foundation and culture is set in stone in West Long Branch. With Gallo leading the charge now, the future remains bright for the program. If it’s been anything like the previous seasons, the offense will continue to be successful, even with their greatest QB moving on.

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