Orono, Maine – Maine Football head coach Jordan Stevens has announced updates to his coaching staff.

"Maine Football is known for the development of people and I'm thrilled to see the growth of our staff over the past year," said Stevens. "Coaching football at Maine demands a love of the game and a selfless attitude in which all or our coaches possess."

Stevens has promoted Mikahael Waters to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. 

"Mikahael has earned the promotion to offensive coordinator," said Stevens. "Mikahael will continue to develop our offense in the run and pass game."

Waters, who begins his sixth year on staff in 2024, joined the UMaine staff in July of 2019. After coaching the tight ends for his first four years on staff, Waters moved to the wide receiver unit. Waters was elevated to the role of assistant special teams coordinator and pro liaison in the summer of 2022 and to the lead role as special teams coordinator in the summer of 2023.

Umberto Di Meo has been elevated to the position of defensive coordinator. 

"Umberto knows how to develop a plan and execute that plan," said Stevens. "He is a clear and concise teacher and effective communicator. Umberto has built strong relationships with the players and brought structure and accountability to their lives."

Di Meo joined the Black Bears in February of 2023 as the defensive line coach following three seasons as the defensive line coach at the University of Rhode Island. Prior to his time at Rhode Island, Di Meo served coaching stints at Boston College, Maine Maritime Academy, Springfield College, and Cornell.

Spencer Carey will transition to cornerbacks coach and special teams coordinator. 

"Spencer's growth has been recognizable over the past two years," said Stevens. "Spencer has a depth of knowledge for the kicking game and will develop our players technically and fundamentally."

Carey, who played for the Black Bears and was a member of the 2013 CAA Championship team, was named the outside linebackers coach in 2022. Carey was promoted to recruiting coordinator in the spring of 2023.

John Gardner will mentor the wide receivers and serve as recruiting coordinator while Dave Bucar will continue to coach the offensive line while taking on the role of run game coordinator. Pushuan Brown will continue to oversee the running backs and assume the role of assistant special teams coordinator and pro liaison. 

McCormick Stephenson, who served as an offensive quality control coach in 2023, will coach the tight ends. Stevens has also announced the new addition of AJ McLaughlin who joins the Black Bears from Husson University and will serve as the team's outside linebackers coach.

-UMaine-