Ron Marciniak


Ronald Joseph Marciniak was an American football coach and scout. He played professionally as a guard in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts. He was the head football coach at the University of Dayton from 1973 to 1976. He played college football at Kansas State University.

Early years

Marciniak attended St. George High School in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, where he practiced football and wrestling. He accepted a football scholarship from Kansas State University. He received All-Big Eight honors at guard in 1954.
In 1995, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Marciniak was selected by the Washington Redskins in the 7th round of the 1955 NFL Draft. He played one season of professional football as an offensive guard for the Redskins in the National Football League. He played one season with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League.
In 1957, he served as a player/coach for the Fort Bliss football team while he was a Lieutenant in the Army. His collegiate coaching career began as an assistant at Arizona. He then coached at Southern Illinois, Tulsa, Northwestern, Miami and Colorado. He served as the head football coach at the University of Dayton from 1973 to 1976, compiling a record of 37–41–4.
In 1982, he worked for the National NFL scouting combine. In 1983, he was hired as a football scout by the Dallas Cowboys. In 1996, he was hired as a Baltimore Ravens scout. He was credited for the phrase "Play like a Raven" and the label "red-star player" for special on- and off-field qualities. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens in 2001.

Head coaching record

Personal life

Marciniak died on March 23, 2020.