Don Brown was one of the most successful coaches UMass had ever seen.
From 2004-08, the Minutemen were 43-19. That was the winningest five-year stretch in program history. They won two conference championships and made two appearances in the FCS playoffs.
But during Brown’s second stint at UMass, the team went 6-28. That led to his firing.
UMass hired former Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak as the Minutemen’s next head coach. But during their first season in the MAC, they went 0-12. They hope to show considerable improvement in 2026.
Here’s more about Harasymiak and his resume:
What’s UMass Head Coach Joe Harasymiak’s Salary?
Harasymiak made $1.36 million in total pay in 2025, according to USA Today.
Joe Harasymiak’s Coaching History
| Years | Team | Position |
| 2025-Present | UMass | HC |
| 2024 | Rutgers | DC/LBs |
| 2022-23 | Rutgers | DC |
| 2020-21 | Minnesota | Co-DC |
| 2018-19 | Minnesota | DBs |
| 2016-18 | Maine | HC |
| 2014-15 | Maine | DC/LBs |
| 2012-13 | Maine | DBs |
| 2011 | Maine | Def. Assistant |
| 2009-10 | Springfield College | GA |
| 2008 | Maine Maritime Academy | Assistant |
What’s UMass Head Coach Joe Harasymiak’s Record?
Harasymiak is 0-12 in the FBS as a head coach. He went 20-15 as the head coach at Maine.
How Old Is UMass Head Coach Joe Harasymiak?
Harasymiak is 39 years old.
UMass Head Coach Joe Harasymiak’s Background
Harasymiak had been at Rutgers for three seasons before going to UMass. During that time, he was a two-time nominee for the Broyles Award, which goes to the country’s top assistant coach.
Previously, he was a co-defensive coordinator (2020-21) and a defensive backs coach (2018-19) at Minnesota. In 2021, the Gophers were third in the FBS in total defense with 278.8 yards per game allowed.
Before that, he was the head coach at Maine, where he earned FCS coach of the year honors in 2018. He went 20-15 overall there with a CAA Championship and an FCS playoff semifinal appearance in 2018.
He moved up the ranks at Maine, having been a defensive assistant (2011), defensive backs coach (2012-13), a defensive coordinator and linebackers coach (2014-15), and a head coach (2016-18) while there. He was also an assistant at Maine Maritime Academy in 2008 and a graduate assistant who focused on wide receivers and quarterbacks at Springfield College (2009-10).
