Stuart Collins will enter his 13th season on the sidelines ahead of the Panthers' 2026 campaign. Collins has been instrumental in recruiting student-athletes from overseas, particularly from his native Ireland.
Collins helped bring former midfielder and three-time First Team All-GLIAC performer Daire O'Riordan to the program. He has also mentored fellow Irish standouts Eoin Broughan, Matt Whelan and Cian Quinn, all of whom have earned All-GLIAC honors during their careers.
Outside of Davenport, Collins currently serves as executive director and technical director of coaching for Michigan Rangers FC, as well as the head coach for the club's semi-professional NPSL team. Collins also serves as the head coach for Michigan State ODP.
With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Collins has served in a variety of roles, including Vardar West Staff Coach (2010-12), Vardar West Technical Director (2012-16), Vardar Grand Rapids Owner/Technical Director (2016-18), and head coach of Grand Rapids FC in USL League Two (2020-21).
Prior to coaching, Collins played at a high level, including for Davenport University and the Muskegon Risers.
After playing four years as a starter for the Panthers, Collins remained with the program and helped his former teammates make an impressive run to the program's first NAIA National Championship in 2014. The Panthers compiled a program-best 22-3-1 record while winning the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Tournament championship for the second consecutive season and third time in five years.
A three-time All-WHAC selection and former team captain, Collins accumulated eight goals and 11 assists in 81 career games (78 starts). He also ranks fourth in Davenport history with 6,427 career minutes played.
Collins holds USSF B and UEFA B coaching licenses, as well as a United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma.
Collins and his wife, Kelli, have two children, twins Jack and Lucy.
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