MikeRyan

Mike Ryan brings 15 years of collegiate coaching experience to the Connecticut program. Most recently at his alma mater, the University of Connecticut, he helped turn around a program and lead them to their first bowl appearance since 2015, developing players including Jackson Mitchell, Ian Swenson, and Brandon Bouyer-Randle.

As Defensive Coordinator at the University of Maine, he mentored All-CAA players like Deshawn Stevens — who led the team in tackles in 2021 (120 tackles, 9 sacks) and was drafted No. 6 overall in the CFL — and Kayon Whitaker. In 2019, his defense ranked among the best in the CAA in pass efficiency and allowed the fewest passing touchdowns; in 2018, he guided Maine's top-ranked rush defense during their FCS final four run. He served as the program's Recruiting Coordinator from 2016–2018, developing players including Christophe Mulumba and Sterling Sheffield.

Earlier in his career, he coached at Trinity College and Bates College, helping lead Trinity to an undefeated 2012 NESCAC Championship. A University of Connecticut graduate, he served as a defensive student assistant during three bowl appearances, including the 2011 Fiesta Bowl.