Mikahael 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 fist 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. In March of 2024, he was named the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
During the 2022 season, Waters developed tight end Shawn Bowman into one of the best offensive weapons in the CAA. Bowman produced career-highs in receptions (31), receiving yards (377) and touchdowns (5) despite missing the final three games of the season due to an injury suffered. Bowman earned All-CAA third team honors for his production during the season.
In the fall of 2021, Bowman continued to evolve into an offensive threat under the development and guidance of Waters. Bowman posted career-high numbers in receptions (24) and receiving yards (282) while finishing tied for second on the team with four touchdowns. Bowman, along with fellow tight end Steve Petrick, each earned selections to the CAA All-Conference Third Team.
In the shortened 2021 spring season, Waters continued the growth and development of Maine's tight ends in the passing offense. Bowman continued to thrive under the guidance of Waters as the leader of the tight end unit ranked second on the team in total receptions during the four-game session.Â
In his first season, Waters stepped in and mentored the tight end group. Under his guidance, the Black Bears saw the emergence of Bowman who earned a selection to Phil Steele's FCS Freshman All-American squad. Along with impressive run blocking skills, the Black Bears saw offensive production through the air from the tight end unit. The production was led by Bowman who averaged 9.95 yards per catch with 22 receptions for 219 yards and a touchdown in 2019.
Prior to UMaine, Waters spent the 2018 season as an offensive assistant at Augustana University where he worked closely with the wide receiver group. While at Augustana, Waters helped guide the team to a 7-4 mark while leading the wide receiver group to 191 receptions for 2,746 yards and 24 touchdowns. Along the way, Waters mentored first team All-NSIC receiver Nickel Meyers. As a unit, the Augustana offense produced the top passing offense in the NSIC. Waters was involved in all aspects of the game planning with a specific focus on pass game, red zone offense and third down.
Waters spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons as an offensive graduate assistant at the University of Hawaii where he assisted both the offensive staff and special teams coordinator on all aspects of daily operations and game planning. Waters was part of the staff which guided Hawaii to its first bowl game since 2010 and first bowl win since 2006.
Waters began his coaching career under head coach Brian Polian at the University of Nevada-Reno where he was an offensive student assistant working closely with the quarterbacks. Waters worked closely with quarterback Cody Fajardo who finished his career with over 9,000 yards passing and 3,000 rush yards.
