NCAA.com Feature on Coach Douds  |  Morning Call story

EAST STROUDSBURG – From East Stroudsburg University alum and current Penn State head football coach James Franklin, to an endless number of other former players, coaches and media members, there has been no shortage of support displayed on social media for longtime ESU coach Denny Douds over the past few days.

Douds announced that he was stepping aside as head coach at the conclusion of the Warriors' 2018 home finale against Ohio Dominican on Saturday. He was the NCAA active leader in career wins (264) and games coached (471), and his career wins total ranks 16th all-time in NCAA all-division history.

Listed below are selected Twitter posts recognizing Douds in the hours following his weekend announcement.
 

Love you Coach! pic.twitter.com/kBF5UkgL5U

— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) October 29, 2018

I'm both humbled and honored to carry the torch from my HERO who did it for 50+ years! Much like many other Warriors-you were a father figure, mentor, and a leader of men. We will miss you Coach- I promise we will
Work Hard
Compete
DO IT RIGHT.
Love you Coach. pic.twitter.com/lY4rSngrBZ

— Jim Terwilliger (@Jimterwilliger) October 29, 2018

Coach Douds is an ESU and NCAA DII Coaching legend! I thank him for being a Mentor, Colleague and Friend! And I celebrate his tremendous career!!

— Jeff Wilson (@ESUCoachWilson) October 28, 2018

To put this in perspective, I was not yet born when @dennydouds graduated from @Rock_Athletics THAT is an amazing career in the @PSACsports for a legendary coach. It's a beautiful day in the Poconos! https://t.co/O3PbhhmUsh

— Steve Murray (@PSACcommish) October 28, 2018

.@ESUWarriors message for coach Douds from coach Mihalik pic.twitter.com/UCTto2HZFR

— Rock Athletics (@Rock_Athletics) October 28, 2018

Congrats on a heck of a career to a truly great coach/person. Got to cover @ESUWarriors many times while doing @PSACsports gms for @pasportsfever. Met a ton of fantastic folks, inc. the legendary Denny Douds. Insightful, giving and caring. A great leader. https://t.co/L4ihqFitf6

— John Sadak (@johnsadak) October 28, 2018

A great football coach and an even better person that treated everyone with compassion and kindness. Truly a great leader of young men! It was an honor to have been able to play for Coach Douds and be a member of the last team he took to the playoffs in 2009. Congrats Coach! https://t.co/ULNs3V1USl

— Nick Artinger (@CoachArtinger) October 29, 2018

As my eyes welled up with tears I watched a legend tip his cap to a program he built. He walked into the sunset without fanfare as super heroes do. Thank you for everything. I promise we will carry on your legacy and make you proud. pic.twitter.com/k4qIQWrbdI

— Chadd Braine (@braine24) October 28, 2018

#Warriors head football coach Denny Douds entering Eiler-Martin stadium for his last home game. His blood runs red and black! #WarriorPride #BloodRunsThick! Love this guy! pic.twitter.com/u88lIAyCXc

— PresidentWelsh (@PresidentWelsh) October 27, 2018

Thank you Coach Douds! You taught us all not just how to be the best football players we could possibly be, but you taught us how to be men with integrity. You will be celebrated and appreciated by your Warriors forever! https://t.co/4f0mgbRFqK

— Matthew Triolo (@91triolo88) October 27, 2018

It was a true pleasure playing for Coach Douds. A great coach, role model, and leader but even a better man. He molded many men and teams and I am lucky to have been a part of his legacy. @ESU_Football

— Damian Poalucci (@Coach_Poalucci) October 27, 2018

An incredible coaching career and top-flight human being. People who have been around Coach Douds are better because of it. Thank You, Coach. https://t.co/AyMCupb9ow

— Josh Looney (@JoshLooney) October 28, 2018

In life you only meet a handful of people that can impact your life on a personal level and for me Coach Douds definitely did that, thanks for for giving me the opportunity to be apart of your legacy coach your the ?? @ESU_Football #Thebloodrunthick pic.twitter.com/wM0XadCNX2

— ??Doce?? (@12__Reasons) October 28, 2018