ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Missouri Western State University head football coach Tyler Fenwick has announced that Michael Gallo will return to his alma mater and serve as defensive line coach.   

A two-year letterwinner for the Griffons in 2016 and 2017, Gallo has spent the last two seasons coaching the defensive line at Missouri Southern.

"I'm excited to have a Griff coming home," said Fenwick. "Coach Gallo helped lead a defensive unit that has really made some positive strides over the past couple seasons, and he is going to be a positive addition to our staff."

Two of Gallo's mentees on the Lion defensive front earned all-MIAA selections this past season, as Solomona Fetuao and Jamie Tago were named to the third team. Fetuao finished the season with 27 tackles, including 6.5 for loss and three sacks with eight QB hurries and one forced fumble, while Tago notched 21 tackles with team highs in tackles for loss and sacks, with 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Fetuao and Nick Kruse were all-MIAA selections in Gallo's first year at MSSU.

Prior to his time in Joplin, Gallo spent two years at Southwestern Oklahoma State, where he helped coach inside linebackers for the Bulldogs.

Gallo started his coaching career in St. Joseph, serving as the freshman offensive coordinator and assistant defensive line coach at Central High School.

A native of Glendora, California, Gallo received his degree in health and physical education in 2018 with a degree in health and physical education, and completed his master's degree from Southwestern Oklahoma in 2021.