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Rich Nagy enters his seventh season on the Maine staff and fifth as the Black Bears defensive coordinator after being appointed to the position before the 2001 spring season. Over the past four seasons, the Black Bears "Black Hole" defense has played a critical role in the success of the team. In 2004, Nagy's defense forced 28 turnovers (16 interceptions and 12 fumbles), as Maine led the Atlantic 10 in turnover margin at plus-10. He also tutored defensive back Brandon McGowan, who signed as a rookie free agent with the Chicago Bears in April of 2005. His defense turned in a spectacular performance in Maine's win over Mississippi State as the unit held the Bulldogs scoreless in the final three quarters and forced three turnovers inside its five-yard line. In 2003, the defense finished third in the Atlantic 10 and 20th in the nation, allowing only 114.8 yards rushing per game. The Nagy-led defense also played a role in Maine's NCAA I-AA playoff runs during the 2001 and 2002 seasons. In the 2001 playoff win at McNeese State, the defense allowed just 10 points, the third lowest surrendered by an Atlantic 10-team in NCAA I-AA playoff history. The 2002 Maine defense boasted four All-Atlantic 10 choices led by two-time Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year Stephen Cooper. Cooper, now a member of the San Diego Chargers, earned numerous All-America honors and was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, presented to the nation's top I-AA defensive player. In 2002, the defense was first in the Altantic 10 and ninth nationally in both total defense (267.6 yards per game) and scoring defense (15.4 points). Nagy was recipient of the America Football Monthly I-AA Coordinator of the Year Award. Nagy previously served as outside linebackers coach and special teams assistant on the Black Bear staff during the 1990 and 1991 seasons. A native of Fairfield, Conn., Nagy recruits central Maine, central New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Prior to Maine, Nagy's most recent position was recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach at Fordham University of the Patriot League. He was on the Rams football staff for three seasons. In 1997, he was a member of the University of South Dakota football staff, serving as special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach. He joined South Dakota after serving with former Fordham head coach Ken O'Keefe at Allegheny College from 1992-97. Nagy served as the special teams/defensive front coordinator for Allegheny while also assuming the role of Associate Head Coach in 1996. At Allegheny, Nagy helped guide the Gators to the NCAA Division III playoffs in 1993, 1994 and 1996. Allegheny won three North Coast Athletic Conference Championships (1993, 1994 and 1996) during Nagy's tenure. Prior to his first stay in Orono, Nagy was an assistant coach in charge of the linebackers at Union College in 1989-90, helping the Dutchmen to the 1989 Stagg Bowl where they finished as the NCAA Division III National Runners-up. A 1987 graduate of Trinity (Conn.) College, Nagy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He lettered in football and baseball, earning Most Valuable Player honors in football in 1986. He is currently tied for third on the Trinity career touchdown list. Nagy and his wife, Erika (Maine '91), reside in Bangor with their two daughters, Jordan (8) and Erin (1). Rich is the older brother of Charles Nagy, a three-time All-Star pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. |
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