Hugh Kirwan: Leading Keystone Football’s Rebirth with Grit, Vision, and Heart

By: Doug Noldy / Andrea Mecca | Sportzwire | May 10, 2025 | Photo courtesy Andrea Mecca @Borden_Photography

A Lifelong Passion for Football

Throughout his life, Hugh Kirwan has been a passionate advocate of football. After graduating from Marist College, Kirwan wanted to give back to the sport—a game that taught him countless valuable lessons, both on and off the field—through coaching. Now, he has finally earned the coveted opportunity he’s long dreamed of: becoming a head coach.  Recently, Justin Higgins, who had taken the reins at Keystone College in 2018 as the program’s first football coach following a several-decade hiatus, stepped down in April. But Keystone didn’t have to look far for his replacement. The college has now officially named Hugh Kirwan as their new head coach.  Sportzwire caught up with Coach Kirwan to talk about the past, present, and future of the Keystone football program.

Photographer: Andrea Mecca @Borden_Photography

Getting to Know Hugh Kirwan: A Rich Football History

A Montvale, New Jersey native, Kirwan was a standout in high school, excelling as both a quarterback and an outside linebacker. He continued his football journey at Marist College in New York, where he played outside linebacker. During a stellar career, he appeared in 44 games, starting in 22, and served as team captain in 2014. Academically, Kirwan shined as well, earning a bachelor’s degree in communications.

From 2015 to 2017, he coached quarterbacks and linebackers at Pascack Hills High School in New Jersey. In 2018, he moved to Florida and took on the role of offensive coordinator and special teams coach at Riverdale High School.

Finding His Way to Keystone College: Tackling a New Challenge

Kirwan was immediately intrigued when he heard that Keystone College was rebooting its football program. With aspirations of transitioning to the college coaching ranks and a desire to help shape a team from the ground up, he jumped at the opportunity. Given his football background and passion for mentoring, Keystone College welcomed him aboard with open arms.

Making an Immediate Impact at Keystone

Kirwan joined the Keystone coaching staff in March 2020 as an Offensive Assistant. His hard work quickly paid off, and he was promoted to Special Teams Coordinator and Receivers Coach from 2021 to 2023. In 2024, he stepped into the role of Pass Game/Special Teams Coordinator. He also led the team’s recruiting efforts.

Kirwan’s tenure has been marked by numerous accolades and statistical achievements:

    •    One specialist was named All-Conference for three consecutive years, with five players total receiving the honor.

    •    Keystone was one of just four teams nationwide not to allow a blocked kick.

    •    The team tied for third in the nation for kick return touchdowns.

    •    A wide receiver ranked in the top 25 nationally for all-purpose yards and was top 3 in the conference.

    •    The quarterback ranked top 30 in the nation for all-purpose yards and 42nd in passing yards.

    •    The team ranked third nationally for combined individual kick return yards.

    •    Keystone was second in the conference for punt return average.

    •    The team achieved blocked kicks returned for touchdowns in two consecutive seasons.