Bates College

Rourke Colligan joined the Bates football coaching staff in the spring of 2026 as the Bobcats' defensive line coach.

Colligan came to Bates after serving as the defensive line coach at NCAA Division II East Stroudsburg University, where he coached defensive ends and tackles while helping develop one of the top defensive fronts in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In addition to overseeing the defensive line, he contributed to opponent scouting, playbook development, recruiting, and the academic success of his student-athletes.

During his time at East Stroudsburg, the Warriors ranked among the nation's leaders in sacks and tackles for loss while producing multiple All-PSAC and All-Region performers on the defensive line. Colligan also recruited the Northern New Jersey territory and helped secure several defensive line commitments.

Before beginning his coaching career, Colligan was a collegiate fullback at East Stroudsburg (2022-23) after transferring from Division I Wagner College (2018-21), where he was a member of the Seahawks football program.

Colligan earned a master's degree in Management and Leadership from East Stroudsburg University in 2024 after receiving his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Wagner College in 2021.