A quickly ascending defensive coordinator has assumed interim head coaching duties at the University of Maine. Joe Harasymiak came on board with Maine in 2011 as an assistant and has moved up rapidly.
Last week, 23-year head coaching veteran Jack Cosgrove–who replaced current Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz back in 1993–stepped down from his post as head coach and will take a job in the administration. The Black Bears went 3-8 this past season, but were within just a handful of points of .500 with a schedule that of course included CAA competition and two FBS opponents.
“I am very honored and excited to be give this opportunity to be the interim head coach here at Maine,” Harasymiak wrote HERO Sports via email Tuesday. “We are moving through recruiting nicely and are excited about the future and direction of Maine football. I look forward to next couple of weeks and what lies ahead for our program. Right now recruiting is our number one priority and our coaches are out on the road working extremely hard. We value the opportunity to meet young men and teach them about the exciting future of Maine football.
Harasymiak will oversee the program as the school goes through the vetting process. He has been at the school for five years as defensive coordinator and DBs coach, and will work with Cosgrove (now the senior associate athletic director).
The interim coach was an all-conference selection at Springfield College and tied a school record for interceptions in a career (10) and a career (17). He helped coach former Maine DB Jerron McMillian–who went on to be the highest NFL draft pick in Maine history when he was taken in the 4th round. Another DB, Trevor Coston, has signed as an NFL free agent.usetts.
