UMass coach Don Brown names new offensive coordinator

Heading into his second stint as the head football coach at UMass, Don Brown – who also served as the school’s coach from 2004 to 2008 – is continuing to put together his 2022 coaching staff. He has now found his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in Steve Casula, who comes to Amherst after serving as the senior offensive analyst at Michigan.

Welcome to the #Flagship 🚩 @Coach_Casula!#Flagship 🚩 pic.twitter.com/VngDRhZc5f

— UMass Football (@UMassFootball) December 18, 2021

Casula, who served as Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis’ right-hand man in Ann Arbor, will reunite with Brown – the Wolverines’ former defensive coordinator – at UMass and be the Minutemen’s offensive leader.

“I worked with Steve in Ann Arbor, and our thoughts are compatible when it comes to his offensive philosophy and the way he moves the football,” Brown said of Casula in a statement. “Steve was a chief architect of Ferris State’s run to the National Championship in 2018 and I am so excited to welcome Steve, his wife Stephanie, and his entire family to Amherst!”

Gattis also had some strong words to say about Casula, sending a congratulatory message on Twitter.

“Tremendous hire for @UMassFootball,” Gattis said. “One of the most creative offensive minds in football! Not just a great coach but a even better person! I’m excited to watch him back running the show! Thank you for all of your sacrifice & dedication to make Michigan football better! #MyBrother.”

Per multiple reports, Casula will remain with Michigan for the College Football Playoff, which begins for the No. 2 ranked Wolverines on Dec. 31 with a matchup against No. 3 Georgia in the Orange Bowl semifinal.

Don Brown rehired at UMass

The University of Massachusetts announced the hiring of Arizona defensive coordinator Don Brown on Nov. 22. UMass fired third-year head coach Walt Bell two weeks prior and quickly found its replacement.

“I am honored to return to Amherst and lead the football program at the University of Massachusetts again,” Brown said. “I promise to work tirelessly to make this program into something that our players, alumni and fans can be proud of. My focus will also be to develop our student-athletes so they can play at an elite level and achieve success, which requires building great relationships and having a tremendous work ethic. I can’t wait to get back to the Commonwealth and get to work.”

Brown takes over UMass’ program after serving as Arizona’s defensive coordinator for the 2021 season.