John Sabo Sr. joined the Slippery Rock staff as a volunteer defensive line coach following the 2025 season.
CAREER AT A GLANCE
• Spent three years coaching the defensive line, linebackers and strength and conditioning at Slippery Rock High School from 2002-25. Coached 10 All-Conference players. Also served as a recruiting coordinator for colleges to connect with his players.
• Coached the defensive line, special teams, strength program and worked as defensive coordinator during a three-year stretch at Steel Valley High School from 2001-04.
• Maxwell Leadership certified coach, trainer and speaker.
• Salem Speakers Bureau leadership speaker.
COACHING TIMELINE
• 2026-Present: Slippery Rock (defensive line)
• 2022-24: Slippery Rock High School (defensive line, linebackers, strength)
• 2001-04: Steel Valley High School (defensive line, special teams, defensive coordinator)
ATHLETIC CAREER
• First team All-PSAC defensive tackle at Slippery Rock. Also played fullback and tight end.
• Earned honorable mention All-America honors.
• Appeared in 47 games over four seasons from 1997-00. Moved to defensive side of the ball for last two seasons and racked up 109 tackles, 18.0 TFL and 11.0 sacks over two seasons.
• Played Arena ball for the Johnstown J-Dogs and played semi-pro ball with the Pittsburgh Colts
• Inducted into the Pittsburgh Colts Hall of Fame in 2026
PERSONAL
• A 2000 graduate of Slippery Rock with a safety management degree
• Father of current SRU wide receiver John Sabo
• Also works as a senior vice president of Deep Well Services
