UMass to Join MAC, Harasymiak Named Head Coach

Joe Harasymiak, currently the defensive coordinator at Rutgers, is expected to be named the head coach of UMass football, with a five-year contract worth between $1.3 and $1.4 million annually. Harasymiak, a New Jersey native, previously led Maine to a 20-15 record and an FCS semifinal appearance before spending time on the Minnesota coaching staff. UMass, which has struggled in FBS play since 2012, is set to join the Mid-American Conference in 2025, increasing investments in football, including NIL deals. The hiring follows the firing of Don Brown after a 6-28 tenure and signals a new direction for UMass as it prepares to compete more effectively in the MAC. Harasymiak's experience includes roles at challenging programs, and he will have a staff pool exceeding $2.7 million, the highest in the MAC.