Darold Hughes enters his fourth season at The Mount and second as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach in 2025. Following a successful tenure as the Wide Receivers Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.
In his inaugural season leading the offense, Hughes’ impact was immediate. Under his guidance, the Lions boasted the #1 scoring offense in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC), averaging an impressive 38 points per game. The Mount also ranked first in passing offense in the HCAC with 310.6 yards per game, while earning national recognition with the #10 passing offense and #11 total offense rankings. Hughes mentored wide receiver Eli Aston, who turned in a stellar first season, capturing HCAC Offensive Player of the Year honors, 2nd Team All-Region accolades, and 1st Team All-HCAC recognition. Aston also ranked 5th nationally in receiving yards and set a new MSJ single-season receiving record with 1,358 yards. Additionally, Hughes coached 7 players to All-HCAC offensive selections, culminating in his own recognition as the 2024 HCAC Coordinator of the Year.
Since joining The Mount, Hughes has earned widespread acclaim for his ability to develop elite talent. He has mentored six First Team All-Conference receivers, two Second Team selections, and a First Team All-Conference quarterback. In the 2022 season, Hughes guided a wide receiver corps that amassed 2,198 yards and 24 touchdowns. This performance was eclipsed in 2023, when his unit racked up an impressive 3,574 yards and 54 touchdowns, averaging 324.9 yards per game, and contributing significantly to The Mount’s national ranking in passing touchdowns.
Prior to his time at The Mount, Hughes enjoyed a distinguished seven-year tenure at Wabash College, where he made a significant impact as both Running Backs Coach (2014–2018) and Wide Receivers Coach (2018–2021). His coaching helped lead Wabash to three Division III playoff appearances, including a memorable Elite 8 run in 2015. As Running Backs Coach, Hughes oversaw one of the most potent ground games in the country, with his running backs producing two seasons with over 2,700 yards rushing, including a 3,383-yard campaign. He also mentored the program’s all-time leading rusher and helped secure multiple North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) honors, including First Team selections in 2014, 2015, and 2017. Additionally, Hughes coached the 2015 NCAC Offensive Player of the Year, who later earned D3Football.com All-American honors. His success continued in his role as Wide Receivers Coach, where he developed a First Team NCAC member, a Second Team NCAC member, and a D3Football.com Third Team All-American.
Hughes began his coaching career at Becker College and Glenville State College, where he developed talent at both the running back and wide receiver positions. As a former quarterback at Florida International University and Glenville State, Hughes brings valuable playing experience to his coaching role, including serving as a three-time team captain and ranking sixth in all-time passing touchdowns at Glenville State. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Glenville State.
Beyond his coaching career, Hughes is dedicated to community service, having volunteered as a mentor, counselor, and supporter of the Special Olympics. He currently resides in Harrison, OH.
