Michael Derasmo, who was promoted to Defensive Coordinator in 2023, enters his fifth season with the Bald Eagles
Derasmo serves as the Defensive Coordinator at Lock Haven and has also served as the program’s Head Strength & Conditioning Coach since joining the staff in 2022. As Head of Strength & Conditioning, he is responsible for the physical development of the football program, overseeing year-round training, performance preparation, and player development.
Promoted to Defensive Coordinator for the 2023 season, Derasmo oversees all defensive operations. The Bald Eagles allowed 42.6 points per game in 2022, ranking 158th nationally, last in the country & last in the PSAC. The Bald Eagles improved to 25.8 points per game by 2025, a reduction of 16.8 points per contest.
That progression extended across all major defensive categories. Lock Haven reduced opponent total yards from 433.7 per game in 2022 to 361.1 in 2025, while rushing defense saw one of the most dramatic improvements in the conference, dropping from 208.1 yards allowed per game to 130.4.
The 2025 season marked a breakthrough for the unit, as the defense developed into one of the most disruptive groups in the PSAC. Lock Haven finished 1st in the conference and 17th nationally with 14 interceptions, more than doubling its total from 2022, while also increasing sack production and forced turnovers. This defensive progress played a key role in the program’s first winning season since 1981 and its first back-to-back five-win seasons since that time.
Since 2023, Lock Haven has developed multiple All-PSAC defenders under his leadership. A total of three First Team All-PSAC honorees Markell Morgan (Safety) & Rocco Daugherty (Linebacker) in 2025, and Cody Romano (Linebacker) in 2023. Also, two Second Team selections are Rhys McDonald (Defensive End) in 2025 and Kasir Henry (Safety) in 2023.
Derasmo started his coaching career at Anna Maria College Division III, starting off as outside linebackers and Head Strength & Conditioning coach in 2019 then transitioned to defensive backs in 2020. Derasmo played a pivotal role in helping lead Anna Maria to their first winning season & conference championship in program history in 2021.
In 2019, Derasmo earned his Master of Science degree in Coaching & Sport education with a focus in Human Performance from West Virginia University.
Derasmo was a collegiate linebacker and team captain at Division II West Virginia Wesleyan from 2013-15. Derasmo started his college career at NJCAA Dakota College at Bottineau from 2011-2012, in 2012 he was the captain & led the team in tackles
As a Native of Waterbury, Connecticut, Derasmo graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 2011. Derasmo and his Wife, Emma, have a daughter, Carmen.
*Updated: March 2026
