Mike Kashurba

Biography

Mike Kashurba enters his ninth season on the Lehigh coaching staff. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in March 2026, a position he previously held from 2019-2022. Kashurba spent the last three seasons as Lehigh’s special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach. Lehigh’s defensive backfield played a significant role in the Mountain Hawks’ development into one of the top defensive units in the FCS. Safeties Nick Peltekian and Mekhai Smith earned All-Patriot League honors over the last two years, while Mason Moore has been an important contributor, with three interceptions over the last two seasons, including an interception return touchdown that iced Lehigh’s 2024 championship-clinching victory over Lafayette. Lehigh’s special teams have thrived under Kashurba’s leadership. Connor Poole was the first team All-Patriot League punter and combined with Nick Garrido to convert 86 percent of their field goal attempts in 2025 and 98 percent of their extra points. Peltekian was an All-Patriot League honoree as a punt returner. In 2024, Kashurba’s safety group helped Lehigh rank among the nation’s leaders in total defense and passing defense. Peltekian had 74 tackles and a team-leading four interceptions, earning All-Patriot League recognition for his work at safety and as a punt returner. Newcomer Mason Moore stepped in next to Peltekian and added 57 tackles and two interceptions, while sophomore DJ Brown and first-year Mekhai Smith were key contributors in the safety rotati