Stephen Curry, a Villanova football alumnus and 1999 graduate of the Villanova School of Business, gave $1 million to endow the program's defensive coordinator position, the university announced Thursday, Aug. 27.

The gift creates the Steve Curry '99 Defensive Coordinator Endowed Fund. It is the first endowment of a non-head-coaching position in Villanova Athletics history.

Curry is not the NBA star of the same name. He played linebacker for the Wildcats from 1996 to 1998, recording 114 tackles, 80 solo stops, seven tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries, one interception and a forced fumble. He was part of the 1997 squad that finished the regular season 11-0, ranked No. 1 nationally, and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals before finishing 12-1.

He has coached at Dexter Southfield School in Brookline, Mass., for the past five seasons and has continued mentoring Villanova student-athletes since graduating.

"This gift is a critical philanthropic investment for Villanova Football to ensure its continued success," head coach Mark Ferrante said. "… The funds from this gift will serve the long-term needs of the defensive coordinator position that will help us to recruit and retain top coaching talent."

Ferrante said the endowment could free up other program funds for players' facilities, recruiting budgets or staffing needs.

Eric Roedl, Villanova's vice president and director of athletics, said the gift will strengthen the program as it joins the Patriot League following last season's run to the FCS semifinals.

The Villanova Athletic Fund raised a record $36.4 million in fiscal year 2026 across all 24 varsity programs, including 62 major gifts of $100,000 or more. Curry's donation adds to that philanthropic momentum.

The announcement came one day before Villanova opens its inaugural Patriot League season. The Wildcats host William & Mary on Friday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. at Villanova Stadium. William & Mary is also a new Patriot League member.

Villanova finished the 2025 season 12-3, going 7-1 in the CAA and earning a top-five national ranking in both major FCS polls. The 12 wins were the second-most in program history, and the team reached the FCS semifinals for the fourth time.

The next home game after the opener is Saturday, Sept. 26 against Colgate.