The 39-year-old Priore joined Pennsylvania in 1992 as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. He continued to serve in those positions during the 1999 season, when he was also named assistant head coach.

"Trinity is very pleased to have a coach of Chuck’s capabilities join its staff. He understands the college game as a tactician, as a recruiter, and as an administrator," said Richard J. Hazelton, Trinity director of athletics, who led a national search for a new coach. "We feel confident that Chuck will continue the tradition of excellence and achievement that has distinguished Trinity’s football program since its first football game in 1877."

Prior to joining the University of Pennsylvania, Priore was the offensive line coordinator, varsity strength coach, and varsity offensive line coach and tight end coach at Union College from 1986-1991. His first college football coaching experience came at the State University of New York at Albany, where he was hired in 1983 as the varsity running backs coach and varsity strength coach.

Priore also has coached lacrosse, serving as Union’s head lacrosse coach from 1987-1991 and as the team’s assistant coach from 1986-1987. He earlier served as head lacrosse coach at the State University of New York at Albany from 1985-86 and as assistant lacrosse coach at the school from 1984-1985.

Priore attended the State University of New York at Albany, where he graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and where he earned a master’s degree in business education in 1985. As an undergraduate student, Priore started at fullback for three seasons and was captain of the football team in 1981. He was twice named the ECAC Player of the Week and was recognized by his school as its Outstanding Senior Athlete.

Priore succeeds Decker, who returned Trinity to its winning tradition with a 5-3 record during his one season as interim head coach. Decker will remain with the football team as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, positions he held for nine years prior to serving as interim head coach. He also will continue as head coach of Trinity’s successful baseball program, which he has guided to nine consecutive winning seasons and consecutive NCAA Division III Tournament berths in 1998 and 1999. Decker was named the New England Division III Baseball Coach of the Year this past spring.

"Bill did a remarkable job in making Trinity football one of the top programs in the New England Small College Athletic Conference during the past season, and all of us associated with the College appreciate his effort," Hazelton said. "His team’s winning record is especially significant when you consider that it was accomplished in the year following the retirement of coaching legend Don Miller. Some might have expected a letdown, but Bill had his team ready and focused for the season."

Miller retired after the 1998 season in which he posted a 2-6 record. During his 32 years as head coach, Miller became the "winningest" football coach at Trinity with a record of 174 victories, 77 losses, and five ties. Overall, Trinity’s football record is 457-325-42.

"It is to Trinity’s benefit to keep Bill, who is an excellent baseball coach, and to add Chuck as a quality football coach. This will allow both programs to prosper," Hazelton said.