Robert Morris University Athletics

Marshall Cooper File

Current Position

Defensive Coordinator

Linebackers

Alma Mater

Chattanooga (2019)

Coaching Timeline

2026–Pres Robert Morris (DC)

2025 Robert Morris (LB)

2024 Charleston (DC)

2023 Charleston (LB)

2022 Charleston (GA)

College Playing Career

2017–19 Chattanooga

2016 Carson-Newman

Marshall Cooper joined the Robert Morris football staff in April 2025 as linebackers coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator in May 2026.

In his first year at RMU, Cooper coached Patrick McDonnell, the leading tackler in the NEC. He also guided two other defenders—Mitchell Robinson Jr. and Eldrick Robinson—to Top 15 finishes in total tackles. Under Cooper’s mentorship, McDonnell was named to the All-NEC Second Team.

The Colonials defensive coordinator previously served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Charleston. During the 2024 season, he led the Golden Eagles to an 11-1 record, a Mountain East Conference (MEC) title with a perfect 9-0 mark, and a berth in the NCAA Division II Super Region One Playoffs. His unit was the top defense in the MEC, surrendering just 18.7 points and 106.8 rushing yards per game. Nine of his players earned MEC All-Conference honors during that dominant stretch.

In 2023, Cooper transitioned to the defensive side of the ball for the Golden Eagles, serving as the linebackers coach and head strength coach. Charleston finished the season 10-2 (8-1 in conference play), capturing the MEC crown for the first time in program history and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. Cooper coached three all-conference selections during that championship run.

Cooper began his tenure at Charleston in 2022 as a graduate assistant coaching the running backs and tight ends. That season, the offense led the league in scoring, red zone touchdowns, total plays, and fourth-down conversions. Under his watch, running back Chavon White was named MEC Offensive Freshman of the Year, a Don Hansen Honorable Mention All-American, and a First Team All-MEC selection.

Before joining the coaching ranks, Cooper was a standout linebacker at Chattanooga. He played three seasons with the Mocs, earning First Team All-SoCon honors as a senior and Second Team All-SoCon honors as a junior.

Marshall graduated with honors from Chattanooga in 2019, earning a degree in sports management with a minor in marketing.