West Haven Native Named New Football Coach At University Of New Hampshire

WEST HAVEN, CT — West Haven native Sean Goldrich has been named the new head football coach at the University of New Hampshire, the school announced this week.

Goldrich, who was a standout quarterback at Notre Dame-West Haven and the University of New Hampshire, will become the 21st head football coach in UNH’s history. He will be formally introduced at a press conference on Jan. 6.

"Following a national search with an extremely competitive field of finalists, it is my pleasure to name Sean Goldrich our new UNH Head Football Coach," University of New Hampshire Director of Athletics Allison Rich said in a news release. “While I knew of Sean's accolades as a student-athlete and the great Wildcat teams he led, through this process I have learned about Sean Goldrich the coach and the person. He is a rising star, and his passion, vision, and care for his players, along with a deep understanding and appreciation of what it means to be a Wildcat for Life, make him the right leader to honor this program's tradition of excellence while driving us toward even greater achievements.

"I am so grateful to Defensive Coordinator and Interim Head Coach Scott James for his leadership and stewardship of both our program and our incredible student-athletes during this time of transition.”

As a four-year starting quarterback, Goldrich led the University of New Hampshire to a pair of CAA Football championships and four NCAA tournament appearances, including two national semifinals, from 2012-15. He amassed more than 7,500 yards passing and 1,100 yards rushing as well as 67 total touchdowns while helping lead the program to its best four-year win total (37) and winning percentage (69.8%) in its 130-season history.

"I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to lead this football program," Goldrich said. "The University of New Hampshire is special to me. This place has shaped me as a player and as a person. I am beyond grateful to come back home and contribute to building championship-level football. I want to thank President Chilton, Director of Athletics Allison Rich, Coach Mac and the entire interview committee for putting their trust in me. I know how special UNH is and I'm going to give everything I have to ensure our continued success."

Read more from the news release below:

Goldrich, a native of West Haven, brings eight years of collegiate coaching experience to Durham. Most recently, he was the quarterbacks coach, pass game coordinator and the head recruiting coordinator at the University of Delaware. Working under Head Coach Ryan Carty, who was Goldrich's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at UNH, Delaware successfully transitioned to FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) and won its inaugural bowl game earlier this month. Goldrich also spent three years on the Yale University coaching staff and one season at the University of New England.

"Sean's journey comes full circle at New Hampshire, and I couldn't be prouder," said Carty, who spent 11 seasons (2007-17) on the UNH coaching staff. "He earned this opportunity through his work ethic, football acumen, and the way he connects with players. I've had the privilege of coaching him as a player and working alongside him as a coach, and he's prepared for this opportunity. Sean knows what New Hampshire football means, and he's ready to lead the program with authenticity, toughness, and vision. UNH should be excited for this next chapter."

"Sean was one of the smartest and most competitive players that I ever coached here at UNH," said Sean McDonnell '79, 23-year UNH Head Football Coach and member of the interview committee. "Combine that with the toughness that he showed in all aspects of our program, and I am excited to see him carry on the tradition and culture of our team. His leadership style will create energy and excitement for our Wildcat fans. As a player, he never took anything for granted, and that mentality has served him well in his coaching career. It has been rewarding to see him mature in all the areas that have prepared him for this important job. He's 'one of us,' and I know he will do a great job leading this football program."