Franklin & Marshall College

John O’Donnell began his first season at Franklin & Marshall in 2018 after spending four years at Widener. He served as a defensive backs coach at Widener. He also served as the program’s recruiting coordinator.

Widener’s secondary flourished under O’Donnell’s direction with the Pride, producing two All-Americans and four all-conference selections over three seasons. Prior to Widener, O’Donnell served as a student assistant coach at West Chester in 2013. He worked directly with the Golden Ram safeties and also served as a volunteer coach at West Chester Henderson High School.

O’Donnell was also standout student-athlete on the football team at West Chester. The four-year letterwinner was an All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Second Team selection as a defensive back in 2012 and played in the All-American Bowl in Minneapolis. A team captain his senior season as well as a Dean’s List Student, O’Donnell was also a member of the 2011 Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team and served as a team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). 

A native of West Chester, O’Donnell graduated from West Chester in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in professional studies while carrying minors in psychology and athletic coaching.