Lenoir-Rhyne football
While at American Heritage School, Socha served as the athletic director and head football coach of the school from 2010-12. In his two seasons, he led the Stallions to a 22-5 record and a state championship title, a state runnerup, and two district titles. Prior to becoming the head coach at the American Heritage School, Socha was the program’s offensive coordinator for four seasons. In the position, he was responsible for the No. 1 ranked offense in Florida in 2007. During his time as offensive coordinator, the program won the district championship in all four years, including two state championships.
In addition to his most recent college coaching success, Socha was the recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach at the University of Buffalo. From 2000-05, Socha oversaw the overall planning and implementation of recruiting efforts while also being responsible for the development of the wide receiver group. He got his start in collegiate coaching at the College of the Canyons as a defensive backs coach in 1998.
Socha is a graduate of California State UniversityNorthridge where he received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. Prior to graduating, he played football at Los Angeles Valley College and Mesa State as a defensive back. As a renowned speaker, Socha has presented at multiple events, including the Glazier and Nike Coach of the Year Clinics.
Socha and his wife, Carrie, are proud parents of six beautiful children, including two who have graduated college and have joined the coaching ranks. Their son Cade is currently the offensive analyst at University of Hawaii and their daughter Camryn is an assistant women’s soccer coach at Nova Southeastern. They have two high school age daughters, Ana and Monica, who enjoy playing soccer; and two elementary age sons, Kolbe and Gabriel, who are avid hockey players.
“I would like to extend my deep appreciation to President Whitt, the screening committee, and to Dr. Kurt
Patberg with Mammoth Sports Consulting for their investment in our search process,” Pate added. “Their relentless effort and unwavering commitment to finding the absolute best leader and coach to continue to position our student-athletes and team for success was extraordinary.”
Socha will be introduced at a public ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 12 p.m. in Belk Centrum on the LenoirRhyne campus. There will be a reception after the press conference. Both the press conference and reception are open to the public. The event will also be live-streamed on LRBears.com.
2024-Present: University Coach
LenoirRhyne - Head
2017-2023: Keiser University - Head Coach
2016: Buffalo Bills - Offensive Quality Control 2012-2015: Oxbridge Academy - Head Football Coach
2010-2012: American Heritage School - Head Football Coach/Athletics Director
2006-2010: American Heritage School - Offensive Coordinator
2001-2005: University of Buffalo - Recruiting Coordinator/Wide Receivers
2000: University of Buffalo - Defensive Graduate Assistant/Inside Linebackers
1998-2000: College of the Canyons - Defensive Backs Coach
1997: Grand Junction High School - Defensive Backs Coach
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT COACH SOCHA
“Lenoir-Rhyne has hired a great new Head Coach in Doug Socha. Doug’s ability to build a winning culture and his deep knowledge of the game are only surpassed by the impact he has on the lives of the young men he coaches. I am certain that Doug will usher in a sustained period of competitive excellence.”
- Matt Rhule-Head Football Coach (Nebraska Football)
“Doug and I worked together at the Buffalo Bills and in my current role with the Dolphins I have been able to watch him build this program from the ground up to National Champions! He is an excellent X and O coach but more importantly will build a Winning Culture, and he is a great person.”
- David Lee- Quarterback Consultant (Miami Dolphins)
“Having worked side by side with Coach Socha at the beginning of his time at KU and watching how he interacted with the campus community, led our staff, and developed the players into men was awesome. He is the
BEST CULTURE BUILDER in College football.”
- Roy Istvan-Asst. Offensive Line Coach (Philadelphia Eagles (Former Keiser Offensive Coordinator) )
“I have known Coach Socha for 20+ years from his time recruiting South Florida as a college coach in the early 2000’s, and then competing with him in the HS ranks. Watching what he has done at both the HS level and building Keiser into a National Champion has been awesome to watch. Great hire!”
- Jack Daniels-2x State Champion Coach (Cardinal Newman HS)
“Doug Socha is a proven winner on the field, and an inspiring leader off it. His dedication to culture is what makes him and his teams so special.”
- Timmy Chang-Head Football Coach (Hawaii Football)