University of Maine Athletics

Pat Denecke, currently in his sixth year on staff at the University of Maine, was promoted to assistant head coach - run game coordinator and offensive line coach in January of 2019.

In his first year in his new, elevated role, Denecke continued to move the development and growth of Maine's offensive line forward. The guidance of Denecke paid off with several individual honors for Liam Dobson, who led the way with his second all-conference honor with a selection to the All-CAA first team and cumulating with a nod to the STATS FCS All-America third team. Denecke's veteran offensive line continued to improve the run attack which jumped up to an average of 128.8 yards per game in 2019.

Under his guidance during the 2018 FCS Final Four run, Denecke helped develop a pair of Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) all-conference linemen in second team selection Dobson and third team honoree, Cody Levy. The 2018 offensive line paved the way for Maine's rushing attack, which averaged 122.1 yards per game. The line opened up holes for leading rusher Ramon Jefferson, who became the first Black Bear freshman in history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.

In December of 2017, Pat Denecke was promoted to offensive line coach.

Denecke began his time at the University of Maine in 2016 as the tight ends coach. A former collegiate offensive lineman, Denecke arrived at Maine after spending the last three seasons as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Nevada. During his time in Reno, Denecke worked with the Defensive Line, Tight Ends, and Offensive Line.

In his first year at Maine, the Black Bears introduced a new offense which looked to get the big skill position more involved. Denecke mentored the tight end and fullback position through the transition to a new offensive scheme which saw senior Jeremy Salmon haul in 10 catches for 124-yards to lead the pack.

In three seasons with the Wolf Pack, Denecke helped eight players earn All-Mountain West honors. While working with the offensive line in 2015, Nevada was one of only two teams in FBS to have two 1,000 yard rushers in the regular season. With Denecke’s assistance, Nevada’s defense lowered its points allowed per game margin in consecutive seasons in 2013 & 2014. 

Denecke’s coaching career began in 2010 at Bethany College, were he spent three seasons as the Bison’s offensive line coach. BC’s front line plowed the way for the team to rush for 2,024 yards in 2010, the second-most in a season by a BC team in school history, in Denecke’s first season with the program. 

The 2011 season was another strong year for Bethany, as it ranked second in the conference in rushing, while a pair of linemen earned all-conference accolades. Denecke’s offensive line paved the way for another record breaking season in 2012. The Bison offense broke nearly every single season passing record in school history, ending the season with a trio of lineman on the All-PAC teams. 

Denecke completed his playing career at Washington & Jefferson in the fall of 2009, where he capped his collegiate career as a three-year letterman and two-year starter on the offensive line. He helped the Presidents post a 40-7 record with two conference titles and four trips to the NCAA Playoffs. Denecke led Washington & Jefferson to the quarterfinal round in the 2008 season. 

A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Denecke graduated from Washington & Jefferson in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He recently completed a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Nevada in 2015 and also has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Bethany College. 

The File on Pat Denecke 
Born: Oct. 31, 1988 
Hometown: Buffalo, N.Y. 
Education: Bachelor's, Business Administration, Washington & Jefferson, 2010; Master's, Teaching, Bethany, 2013;  Master’s Educational Leadership, Nevada-Reno, 2015

Coaching Experience
2019: Assistant Head Coach - Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach, Maine
2017-18: Offensive Line Coach, Maine
2016-2017: Tight Ends Coach, Maine
2013-2016: Graduate Assistant Coach, Nevada
2010-12: Offensive Line Coach, Bethany College 

Playing Experience 
Washington & Jefferson: Offensive Line (2006-09)