SCHENECTADY, NY – Jeff Behrman, the Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach at Stony Brook University and a 1995 graduate of John Carroll University, has been named Head Football Coach at Union College. The announcement was made today by
Jim McLaughlin '93, Director of Athletics at Union.
"We are extremely proud to welcome
Jeff Behrman to Union College," said McLaughlin. "His success as an NCAA Division III coach and student-athlete will resonate not only with the student-athletes, but also our alumni and entire campus community. He understands the role of athletics within an elite academic institution where scholar-athletes excel in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.
"Jeff was selected from a national pool of oustanding candidates. He appreciates the remarkable Union College football tradition and we look forward to Jeff playing a key role in building upon the tradition and preparing our students to be contributors to our society in the future."
Behrman was in his 10th season at Stony Brook. He becomes the 36th coach in the history of Union College Football.
During Behrman's time with the Seawolves he has developed some outstanding quarterbacks. In 2013, Lyle Negron passed for 2,367 yards, which ranked second in the program's Division I history. Kyle Essington's passing efficiency (171.02) led all of FCS and ranks as one of the best in NCAA history in a season. Under Behrman's guidance, the Seawolves led FCS in scoring average (38.0 ppg) in 2011.
Behrman led several key initiatives with the Seawolves off the field, including directing the football program's Leadership Council. He also served as an academic liaison with the student-athlete development office and organized numerous alumni relation events that linked students to career opportunities with their alumni network.
Prior to Stony Brook, Behrman was the offensive coordinator at Trinity College for four seasons during two stints at the school. Behrman was the offensive coordinator at Trinity from 2000-01 before moving on to coach wide receivers at Hofstra for two seasons. He then returned to Trinity as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for two more seasons, helping lead the Bantams to a perfect 16-0 mark during that stretch. In 2005, Trinity's offense led the NESCAC in scoring, averaging 34.5 points per game. Behrman's offense also led the league in rushing (218.6 ypg) and total offense (407.5 ypg). The Bantams posted back-to-back undefeated seasons (8-0) in the 2004 and 2005 seasons.?
Behrman began his coaching career as a graduate assistant wide receivers and tight ends coach at Clarion University in July 1996. Seven months later he left Clarion to become the receivers and tight ends coach at Glenville State College. While at Glenville State, Behrman served as the football program's recruiting, academic and compliance coordinator, twice coaching two all-conference receivers including an All-American receiver who led NCAA Division II in 1997.
In July 1999, Behrman accepted the position of offensive coordinator while directing the quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends and running backs at Blackburn College. Although he was there only one season, the Beavers set 14 individual offensive records and 27 team offensive marks during the season.
Behrman earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education from John Carroll University in 1995 where he was a quarterback and captain of the football squad. He also earned a master's degree in community health promotion in 1998 from West Virginia University.
New head coach Jeff Behrman with Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin '93.