Orono, Maine – University of Maine head football coach Jordan Stevens has announced that Jared Keyte has been elevated to the role of defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

"Coach Keyte is a leader and brings enthusiasm to whatever he does," Stevens says. "Jared believes in Maine Football and developing our players on and off the field. I'm excited to see his positive impact on the Black Hole."

Keyte, who has spent the previous seven years on staff with the Black Bears, previously served as the team's special teams coordinator for the past four seasons with roles coaching the safeties and outside linebackers throughout his six year stint.

"I am extremely thrilled and honored to be named the Defensive Coordinator for Coach Stevens' staff," Keyte says. "I look forward to carrying on the legacy and tradition of the Black Hole. We will continue to build on the values that have made us successful historically; toughness, physicality, and team-first commitment. I strongly believe in the direction this program is heading and I am excited to facilitate growth within this unit through strong mentorship and hands-on coaching from our staff. Our defense will play with fanatical effort, sound technique, and visible passion for our program and University. My fiance, Sara, and I are extremely grateful for this new opportunity."

During his time at Maine, Keyte has mentored All-Conference players at numerous positions on both special teams and the defensive unit. In all, Keyte has assisted in developing five All-CAA players, two All-Americans, and CAA Special Teams Player of the Year.

Through his creativity, attention to detail, and unyielding commitment, Keyte has led Maine's special teams unit to top rankings, both in the conference and nationally, in numerous categories. Keyte's special teams unit led the CAA and ranked third nationally in blocked kicks, ranked second in the CAA and fifth nationally in kickoff return average, and checked in third in the conference in punt coverage in 2021. 

Keyte, who coached Maine's linebackers during the Black Bears' run to the final four in 2018, mentored the safeties from 2019-2021. During that span, Keyte's defensive mentoring helped guide Maine to rank first in the nation in run defense in 2018, check in first in the CAA in opposing pass completion percentage in 2019 and second in 2020.

Prior to joining Maine's staff in 2016, Keyte spent the 2015 season at Rutgers. While with the Scarlet Knights, Keyte served as a defensive quality control and player development coach, specifically working with the linebackers.

Before his time at Rutgers Keyte served as a graduate assistant at Springfield College working with the defensive backs in 2013, and working with the linebackers while co-coordinating the defense in the absence of Defensive Coordinator Jack Holik in 2014.

In 2012, Keyte coached the quarterbacks at Utica College, after playing the same position for four years. He assisted in coaching a group that led the league in scoring offense, total offense, passing touchdowns, passing efficiency, and the Empire 8 Player of the Year in quarterback Andrew Benkwitt.

Keyte, a Holland Patent, N.Y. native, graduated in the spring of 2012 with his bachelors in criminal justice at Utica College, while playing quarterback for the Pioneers for four years.

-UMaine-