UMass Fires Head Coach Don Brown After 2-8 Season

The University of Massachusetts has dismissed head football coach Don Brown following a disappointing 2-8 season, marking the end of his second tenure with the team. Brown, who initially coached UMass from 2004 to 2008 and led them to an FCS national championship game, struggled to replicate past successes upon his return in 2022. UMass athletic director Ryan Bamford praised Brown's contributions to the program, including helping the school regain conference membership, as they prepare to join the MAC in 2025. Offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery has been appointed interim head coach for the remaining games against Georgia and UConn. The Minutemen's recent loss to Liberty in overtime was a contributing factor to Brown's firing. A national search for a new permanent head coach will commence immediately.