Daniel "Dan" Galante ’87 enters his first season as head football coach at Lawrence University after being named to the position in 2025.
A member of the Lawrence Athletics Hall of Fame and one of the most accomplished players in program history, Galante returns to his alma mater with more than 30 years of coaching, recruiting, and leadership experience at both the collegiate and high school levels.
Galante most recently served as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at North Park University, where he played a key role in defensive development, recruiting strategy, and overall program operations. Prior to North Park, he spent 16 seasons as head football coach and director of admissions at Saint Patrick High School in Chicago. During his tenure, he became the longest-serving head coach in school history, guiding the program to eight playoff appearances and a conference championship while helping countless student-athletes continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.
His collegiate coaching experience also includes time at Northwestern University, where he served as a graduate assistant working with defensive operations and recruiting evaluation.
Known throughout the Midwest for his extensive recruiting network and strong relationships with coaches, families, and prospective student-athletes, Galante brings a unique combination of coaching and admissions experience. His background has helped him identify and develop student-athletes who succeed both on the field and in the classroom.
A 1987 Lawrence graduate, Galante earned his degree cum laude in history and classics. He was a standout linebacker for the Vikings from 1983-86, earning First Team All-Midwest Conference honors in each of his four seasons. He became just the second player in Lawrence history to receive four First Team All-Conference selections and remains the only four-time All-American in program history. A team captain during his senior season, Galante helped lead a nationally ranked defense in 1985 and established himself as one of the premier defensive players in Lawrence football history.
Galante earned a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in higher education administration from Northwestern University.
