Danny Verpaele Joins USF Football; Bradden, Creamer, Rowe Finalize Defensive Staff
In a significant move aimed at strengthening the team’s defensive capabilities, USF Football has finalized its defensive staff under Head Coach Brian Hartline. The lineup includes former Bulls defensive back Danny Verpaele, who will take on the role of safeties coach. Joining him is Terry Bradden, who will coach the defensive line, as well as returning assistants Chad Creamer and James Rowe.
Danny Verpaele Returns to USF Football
Danny Verpaele, a Merritt Island, Florida native, boasts a strong background as a former safety for USF from 2004 to 2008. During his playing career, he participated in 31 games, achieving 110 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Notably, he contributed to USF’s ascent to a No. 2 national ranking in 2007 and two bowl victories.
After his time with the Bulls, Verpaele developed his coaching career, recently leading the safeties at Army. During his tenure, Army ranked second in the American Athletic Conference for points allowed and showcased a formidable defense in the 2024 season, including impressive statistics such as:
- 18 interceptions, the most for the program since 1988.
- Ranked 25th nationally allowing 185.9 passing yards per game.
Terry Bradden Joins USF Coaching Staff
Terry Bradden, also a Florida native, will bring nearly 13 years of coaching experience to the Bulls. His background includes a successful stint as a defensive assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played a crucial role in the team winning three Super Bowls. Under his guidance, the Chiefs consistently ranked among the top defenses in the league.
Highlights of Bradden’s achievements include:
- Coach of Chris Jones, a Pro Bowl selection, during four seasons.
- Helped the Chiefs achieve 57 sacks in the 2023 season, ranking second in the NFL.
- Ranked fourth in the NFL in scoring defense in 2024.
Current Staff Members Contribute to Success
Returning to USF, Chad Creamer and James Rowe will continue supporting the team. Creamer, who is currently the special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach, has been instrumental during the Bulls’ recent resurgence, which has included three consecutive bowl appearances. In 2025, the Bulls posted a 9-4 record, their best performance since 2017.
Rowe has transitioned from coaching safeties to cornerbacks, working closely with players like Fred Gaskin, who earned second-team all-conference honors in 2025.
USF Football’s Recent Performance and Future Prospects
In 2025, USF achieved several milestones, including:
- First appearance in the College Football Playoff rankings.
- Ranked four times in the AP Top 25.
- A total of 75 turnovers generated over the past three seasons.
The Bulls are poised for continued success with significant investments in facilities, including a new $22-million Indoor Performance Facility completed in 2023, and an on-campus stadium set to be finished by 2027.
With the new coaching staff in place, USF Football appears ready to build upon its recent successes and enhance its competitive edge in upcoming seasons.
