Former LIU Post head coach, Stony Brook defensive coordinator Bryan Collins has died

Stony Brook defensive coordinator Bryan Collins has died, the program has announced. He was 58 years old. 

"Our Stony Brook Athletics family is devastated by the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague Bryan Collins. He was an elite human being on every level who was truly passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. Everyone who knew Bryan loved him, and he always returned that love right back," said AD Shawn Heilbron. "He was a legendary coach and administrator but his greatest legacy will always be as a kind, caring soul. My thoughts are with his wife Patti, children Tyler and Meg, and everyone who knew and loved him."

Collins joined the Stony Brook staff as defensive line coach in 2021 and was promoted to defensive coordinator in January. 

Collins is best known in the coaching world for his 23-season run as the head coach at LIU Post. The all-time winningest coach in program history, Collins won 162 games, eight Northeast 10 Conference titles, and reached the Division II playoffs six times. His 2002, 2016 and 2018 teams recorded undefeated regular seasons. 

Collins was named the NE-10 coach of the year seven times. 

A former linebacker at St. John's, Collins won the Dr. Peter Vitulli Award, given to the Red Storm player who best displays courage, perseverance, dedication and sacrifice. 

Collins had been in coaching since 1991, when he broke into the business as the defensive line coach at LIU Post. He spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy before returning to LIU Post in the same position in 1996. LIU Post promoted Collins to head coach in 1998. 

"I first and foremost send my deepest sympathy to the Collins family and to all of Bryan's former student-athletes and colleagues. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside Bryan over the past couple of years. As an opposing coach, he served as a mentor, and I have learned a great deal from working with him during our time together at Stony Brook. We certainly lose a great football coach, but more importantly a great person," said head coach Chuck Priore. 

The FootballScoop staff sends its deepest sympathies to the Collins family.