Ed Pinkham Named Defensive Coordinator

AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts football head coach Mark Whipple has announced the hiring of veteran defensive coordinator Ed Pinkham. He brings 30+ years of experience to the Minuteman program.

"I've known Ed since we worked together at UNH," Whipple said. "I have tremendous respect for his approach and how his defenses have always played. He brings a wealth of knowledge at the FBS level. He's an outstanding recruiter and great leader of young men. I couldn't be more excited about the future of our program as we head into winter conditioning and spring practice."

Pinkham spent the 2013-16 seasons at Western Michigan as defensive coordinator. He led the Broncos' defense in their 13-0 regular season, to the MAC Championship and a Cotton Bowl appearance. Last season, Pinkham's defense ranked No. 15 nationally in scoring defense, No. 26 in total defense, No. 8 in defensive touchdowns, No. 18 in turnovers gained and No. 22 in interceptions forced.

"I'm extremely excited to be back in New England and renewing relationships with coaches I've worked with in the past at previous stops," Pinkham said. "I coached against UMass so I'm aware of the strong football tradition that exists here. I'm excited to play a role in achieving the goals that we set as a staff and as a program."

The 2016 season also saw WMU's defense hold three Big Ten opponents (Wisconsin, Northwestern and Illinois) to an average of 18.3 points per game and shutout two MAC opponents (Akron and Buffalo). The 2014 Broncos' cornerbacks (Donald Celiscar and Ronald Zamort) tied each other for the national lead in passes defended with 1.6 per game

Pinkham was Rutgers' defensive coordinator from 2009-10 and secondary coach in 2008. He guided the 2009 Rutgers defense, which included Devin and Jason McCourty, to national top-20 rankings in five statistical categories: tackles for loss (No. 1), turnover margin (No. 2), rush defense (No. 15), scoring defense (No. 16) and total defense (No. 18). Also in 2009, Rutgers' defense held opponents to 15 points or less seven times and the Scarlet Knight secondary ranked second in the BIG EAST defending the pass.

Pinkham spent the 1996-2007 seasons at Colgate. His units led the Patriot League in defense in 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2006 and, in 2007, the Raiders ranked No. 10 nationally against the run, No. 22 in total defense and No. 26 in scoring defense.

Pinkham's previous stops also include Elon, Holy Cross, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Allegheny College.

A1975 graduate of Allegheny College, Pinkham is a native of Clark, New Jersey. He was a four-year letterwinner, four-time all-conference honoree and an Associated Press Second-Team All-American at safety for the Gators.

Pinkham and his wife, Karen, are the parents of Matt, Kelly and Jessica.

Ed Pinkham's Coaching History
1975-76               Allegheny College, Secondary/Wide Receivers Coach
1977-83               New Hampshire, Secondary Coach
1984-88               New Hampshire, Defensive Coordinator
1989-91               Minnesota, Secondary Coach
1992-95               College of Holy Cross, Defensive Coordinator
1996-2007           Colgate, Defensive Coordinator
2008                     Rutgers, Secondary Coach
2009-10               Rutgers, Defensive Coordinator
2011-12               Elon, Defensive Coordinator
2013-16               Western Michigan, Defensive Coordinator

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