Filippo served as the first head women's swimming and diving coach at then Southeastern Massachusetts University, establishing the new program in the 1977-78 season. He began with the men's program in 1975 and over the next 20 years with both teams, built the SMU then later, UMass Dartmouth swimming and diving programs into a top New England competitor.

During his tenure, Filippo's guidance produced 18 NCAA Division III National All-America honors, including the 1992 National Champion on the 1 and 3-meter diving events in Tom Egan '92. The squad also saw 12 New England Division III Champions. All told, the program produced a combined 100 event qualifiers for Nationals and Filippo himself was tabbed the 1983 All-New England Coach of the Year.

In addition to his tenure with the swimming and diving programs, Filippo also served as the head coach for the men's golf team for the 1978 and 1979 seasons. He stepped down coaching both teams after the 1996-97 season, continuing his work at UMass Dartmouth as Director of Athletic Facilities until his retirement in 2013.