UMass isn’t exactly the most coveted college football program in the country, but they came fairly close to making a big-name hire after parting ways with former head coach Don Brown.
Joe Judge interviewed for the school’s head coaching vacancy, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
Yes, we’re talking about that Joe Judge.
Judge is a name familiar to much of the school’s fanbase, as he previously spent two stints as an assistant for the Patriots from 2012-2019 and 2022-2023. New England had plenty of success across his first stint (three Super Bowls), but his second left a lot to be desired. Judge became one of the most hated assistant coaches in recent memory.
The Giants lured Judge away between those two stints in New England. He was hired as the Giants head coach in 2020 but was fired him after just two seasons.
Howe’s report stated there was “lots of mutual interest” between the two sides.
Ole Miss, however, made a strong push to keep the 42-year-old, so he ultimately decided to pull out of consideration. The Rebels hired Judge as a senior analyst following his latest departure from New England.
UMass instead hired Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak.
