Goldrich accepts another UNH offer

By rbrown
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Updated: January 6, 2026

DURHAM – Sean Goldrich received his first Division I scholarship offer from former University of New Hampshire coach Sean McDonnell. The offer was extended in the office Goldrich now occupies.

Goldrich, 32, recalled that conversation with McDonnell on Tuesday, when he was introduced as head coach of the UNH football program. Goldrich, who played quarterback at UNH from 2011 to 2015, spoke in front of a crowd that included McDonnell, former UNH coach Bill Bowes and CAA commissioner Joe D’Antonio.

“I was sitting across from Coach Mac when he was at his desk – the same desk I’m sitting at today, which is pretty crazy,” Goldrich explained. “I remember looking Coach Mac in the eye and shaking his hand. … They took a shot on me, and similar to now, I just wanted to prove to everyone that was a great decision.”

Goldrich replaces Rick Santos, who left UNH after the 2025 season to become the head coach at Penn.

Goldrich’s immediate tasks include filling his coaching staff and trying to convince the UNH players who are in the NCAA transfer portal to remain in Durham. Goldrich said he’s expecting at least 70 players at the first team meeting on Jan. 18.

“The majority of (potential assistant coaches) are already in heavy conversations,” Goldrich said. “Just want to make sure we get through the paperwork side of it.

“We’re recruiting the old team,” he continued. ”We’re recruiting the guys and making sure they stay and feel the love. Just trying to build a relationship with them that way. That’s been the primary focus. I can only call one at a time, which is unfortunate. When I do get them on the phone the guys have been very responsive. It’s been very positive.

“I also think they’re going to find out it’s not always better in the portal. What people are offering and these opportunities their agents are saying they’re getting … they have to remember it’s recruiting and they’re going to be told what they want to hear so they can get them on campus.”

Goldrich spent the last four seasons at the University of Delaware in a variety of coaching positions – quarterbacks coach, passing game coordinator and the head recruiting coordinator – for a program that transitioned from the FCS to the FBS level under head coach Ryan Carty, Goldrich’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach while he was at UNH.

Before his time at Delaware, Goldrich coached at Yale for three seasons. He was also the wide receivers coach at the University of New England for one season.

He said his priorities will be making sure his players get a degree, and beating Maine.

“When I started this coaching career I was hoping to have this opportunity,” he said. “This was the end objective. Always envisioned it. I didn’t think it would happen this quick if I’m being honest. This is a place I’m super-passionate about.”

Originally from Connecticut, Goldrich passed for more than 7.500 yards and 47 touchdowns at UNH. He led the Wildcats to two CAA championships, four NCAA tournament appearances and two trips to the FCS national semifinals. He also rushed for 1,112 yards and 20 touchdowns during his college career.

“We’re here to win on the big scale,” he said. “I’m back on a mission to get the job done. That’s the objective. The standard hasn’t changed.”