David Castillo enters his third season with the ECSU Football program as the Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator.
During the 2024 season, Castillo helped lead the “Code Blue” defense to the 14th best pass defense (149.4) in Division II. That pass defense ranked first in the CIAA, while ranking in the top-five in the CIAA in Sacks (22), Red Zone defense (71%), and Third Down defense (34.1%).
The “Code Blue” defense improved in Castillo’s second season as prior to his leadership, the Vikings recorded five total sacks and ranked near the bottom in scoring defense, total defense, and Third Down defense.
Castillo helped lead Drewvon Oxendine to an All-CIAA Defensive Rookie selection. The linebacker corps finished in the top-10 in the CIAA in tackles, tackles for loss (TFLs), sacks, and fumble recovered.
In 2023, Castillo’s first season, the “Code Blue” defense made a massive improvement surrendering 22.0 points per game and 297.3 yards per game compared to 36.4 ppg and 383.3 ypg prior to his arrival.
The Vikings ranked 11th in Third Down Defense (27.3%) and 23rd in Passing Defense (166.9) in Division II.
Castillo guided three players (DB Teonne Porter (third), LB Tracey White (fifth), and LB Demorian Smith (sixth)) to finish in the top-10 in the CIAA in Tackles Per Game. He also helped DE Jaylen Dollar to finish third in the CIAA in Sacks and seventh in Tackle For Losses, along with DB Kaezahn Johnson finished fifth in the CIAA in Passes Defended.
Before Elizabeth City State, Castillo spent four years (2019-2022) as the Special Teams Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator and Defensive Backs coach at Seton Hill University.
During the 2022 season, Castillo coached Na’Sir Douglas to an All-PSAC selection, where Douglas ranked second in Division II in passes defended and first in the PSAC.
In 2021, Castillo coached Damonte Pratt to an All-American, All-Region, and All-PSAC selection. Pratt broke the school record for interceptions with seven, ranking him second in Division II and tops in the PSAC.
That season, Castillo had the top-ranked kick-off unit in the PSAC with a 41.6 net average and fourth in punting with a net of 34.5. Castillo helped led the Griffins to the biggest statistical turnaround on the defensive side in program history.
In his first season at Seton Hill (2019), Castillo coached All PSAC West performer Fardan Allen. Allen was third on the team in tackles and had four interceptions to lead the Griffins. Allen went on to become defensive rookie of the year in the arena league.
Prior to Seton Hill, Castillo spent one season at his alma mater, East Stroudsburg as the defensive backs coach in 2018. During that time Castillo coached All PSAC selection Bill Inge. Inge led the team with 76 tackles, ranked third in PSAC with five interceptions and had three forced fumbles.
Castillo spent one season as the Head Varsity coach at East Stroudsburg North High School in 2017.
He would start his collegiate coaching climb at Wilkes University serving as the Defensive Backs coach in 2016. That season, Castillo guided Marcellus Hayes and Isiah Robinson to All-Middle Atlantic Conference selections.
The East Stroudsburg, Pa. native played as a defensive back for the “hometown” team at East Stroudsburg. As a four-year starter, Castillo was named All-PSAC during his senior season. Castillo finished his career with nine interceptions and 45 passes defensed which was top-20 in DII. He helped the Warriors to a 9-2 record as a sophomore in 2008, and 8-4 record and NCAA DII Playoff appearance in 2009.
Following his career at ESU, Castillo competed in the arena football leagues for the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (2012-15), and won a championship with the Erie Explosion in 2014.
Castillo earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from ESU in 2014. Castillo has two daughters Sophia and Carmella Castillo.
