The only coach to ever lead the Robert Morris men’s hockey team has inked a new five-year deal with the program. Derek Schooley signed a new contract that will run through the 2026-27 season.

Schooley has been the backbone of the RMU men’s hockey program, building it from the ground up.

He was named the team’s first and only head coach on Aug. 21, 2003.

Under Schooley’s tutelage, the Colonials have gone 275-275-68. He elevated the program to new heights, including two Atlantic Hockey regular-season crowns, along with an AHA postseason title and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2013-14.

Schooley has been named Atlantic Hockey Coach of the Year twice during his tenure.

Most recently, Schooley’s 2020-21 squad reached its highest-ever national ranking and clinched the AHA West Division Championship in a pandemic-impacted season with Schooley being named Western Division Coach of the Year.

This past summer, Schooley was thrust into a new position when the university cut both the men’s and women’s hockey programs. Thus, Schooley turned to fundraising and promotion to help reinstate the hockey teams.

On Sept. 7, 2021, the 51-year-old was named the men’s and women’s hockey coach, along with the director of operations.

With the programs recently reinstated for the 2023-24 season, Schooley can return to where he thrives the most; behind the bench.