Gary Emanuel enters his second season on the Rutgers sideline as the defensive line coach. In his first year “On the Banks” in 2008, Emanuel helped tutor a group that recorded 15 sacks from the defensive line.
One of the players who thrived under Emanuel was Jamaal Westerman. He posted six sacks and was signed as a free agent by the New York Jets.
Emanuel has more than 20 years of coaching experience, including a two-year stint in the National Football League. In 2007, he was one of 26 coaches invited to participate in the NCAA’s annual Expert Coaches Academy.
Before heading to San Jose State, Emanuel spent the 2005 and 2006 seasons as defensive line coach in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. He took part in the NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship, enjoying stints with the Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears. Emanuel was also selected for the Ralph C. Wilson Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Buffalo Bills.
A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Emanuel has coached for three BCS programs during his career. He spent three seasons coaching the defensive line at Washington State (1994-96), three at Syracuse (1991-93) as the defensive line coach and eight years at Purdue (1997-2004).
During his time with the Boilermakers, he coached the defensive ends, tackles and was later promoted to assistant head coach for his final two seasons.
Emanuel has been part of 11 teams that participated in bowl games and coached 12 players who have gone on to play in the NFL, including five active roster members. He mentored defensive end Anthony Spencer at Purdue, who went on to be a first round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys.
A 1982 graduate of Plymouth State College, Emanuel began his coaching career at his alma mater. In four seasons, he served as an offensive line coach and offensive coordinator. Emanuel was also the head men’s basketball coach for two seasons. He later moved onto West Chester University in 1985, where he coached the defensive line for one season. Emanuel has also coached at the University of Massachusetts and at Dartmouth College.
Emanuel and his wife, Angela, recently relocated from San Jose to the New Jersey area.
