Pappalardo returns to the UMass Dartmouth coacing staff for his third season in 2017, and is back on campus for his junior year as a student.

The Reading, Mass. native will once again work primarily with the defensive backs and defensive coordinator Steve Faniel. Last season, Pappalardo guided a backfield unit that posted 11 interceptions, including nine in MASCAC play, and 39 pass breakups. Sophomore safety Tony Slaughter was named Second Team All-MASCAC with a team-high three interceptions.