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Santos announces coaching staff

DURHAM – University of New Hampshire head coach Rick Santos announced promotions and additions to his 2024 coaching staff, which include the promotion of Drew Belcher and Ed Borden to co-offensive coordinator roles, the return of former Wildcat coach Scott James as defensive pass game coordinator/safeties coach and the addition of Ryan Wilson as offensive line coach.

Additional appointments announced by Santos include Casey DeAndrade to the role of special teams coordinator/strikes and the appointment of Matt Elsker as assistant coach, linebackers and special teams coach, video coordinator.

Drew Belcher

Belcher originally joined the Wildcats as running backs coach in 2021 and served as QB coach and pass game coordinator in 2023. The former Maine quarterback remains as QB coach in addition to his elevation to co-offensive coordinator.

What Coach Santos Says

“Drew is an extremely bright offensive mind and we’re very excited to promote him to a coordinator role. He was instrumental in the development of Max Brosmer and, under his guidance, Brosmer blossomed into an All-American quarterback. In Belcher’s two years at UNH coaching QBs, we have led the nation in passing and won a CAA championship. Our offense will continue to be dominant under his leadership and he is ready for this opportunity.”

Ed Borden

Borden, who has been on the UNH coaching staff since 2019, has been elevated to co-offensive coordinator in addition to his existing roles as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator.

What Coach Santos Says

“Ed has been instrumental in our staff’s recruiting efforts over the last few years. During his time as recruiting coordinator we have yielded commitments and developed multiple All-Americans. We have had a nice blend of elite high school prospects and game-changing transfers. He will still oversee recruiting while also taking on more responsibility in our offensive game planning. We will continue to be an explosive offensive team under his guidance.”

Scott James

James returns to Durham after six seasons as the defensive coordinator for Holy Cross. During his tenure in Worcester, he led a defense that was ranked No. 1 in the country in total defense, he coached numerous All-Americans and won four Patriot League championships. Prior to joining the Crusaders, James spent five seasons as the UNH safeties coach (2013-17). During that time, he helped the Wildcats to an overall record of 46-22 with five trips to the NCAA playoffs.

What Coach Santos Says

“We’re thrilled to have Coach James back in Durham working with our defensive unit. He has been extremely successful at every stop during his coaching career and is an elite developer of talent. His vision and expectation for UNH football is in alignment with our staff, and he will make us all better. He is a proven winner and will help our team get back to a championship level.”

DeAndrade, a four-year standout defensive back at UNH from 2013-16, returned to his alma mater as defensive backs coach, safeties, pass game coordinator in 2022 following three seasons on the Holy Cross staff. He has been promoted to special teams coordinator and will continuing to work with the outside safeties/strikes.

What Coach Santos Says

“Casey is a UNH man through and through and has shown the ability to develop talent with the best of them. His expertise and knowledge of special teams from his playing days will allow him to thrive in his new role. He is a natural leader, and our guys love to be coached by him because of his positive, steady demeanor. I couldn’t be more excited to watch him take the next step in his career and our special teams’ units will continue to thrive.”

Ryan Wilson

Wilson comes to Durham from Saint Francis University, where he coached the offensive line for four seasons. In 2023, he mentored a pair of All-NEC First Team lineman, Bailey Iboleon and Seth Osborne. Wilson’s offensive line ranked second in the NEC with 360.1 total yards of offense per game. The unit also paved the way for 168.6 rushing yards per game, which ranked third in the NEC.

What Coach Santos Says

“Ryan is elite at teaching fundamentals and developing all facets of the offensive line while being a great culture builder. His players buy into his vision, and he has done an awesome job getting the most out of his guys. Games are won in the trenches and Ryan will allow us to continue to be successful up front. We’re thrilled to have him be part of the UNH football family.”

Matt Elsker

Elsker is in his ninth year of coaching college football and helped the UNH staff in a support role for both the 2018 season (offense) and the 2023 season (defense, special teams). He now joins the staff officially as assistant linebacker coach and special teams coach. Elsker spent six seasons at Plymouth State University where he served in a variety of positions including video coordinator, in-season recruiting coordinator, running backs coach and offensive coordinator.

What Coach Santos Says

“Matt has an incredible football IQ and has made an impact coaching in all three facets of the game. During his coaching career, each unit he’s had has been dominant and they play with relentless effort. His passion and understanding of the game will add a ton of value to our coaching staff.”

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