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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: Ryan Moran
James Named Assistant Coach of the Year by Gridiron Club of Greater Boston
11/28/2025 8:38:00 PM | Football
BOSTON -- Scott James, associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the 22nd-ranked University of New Hampshire football team, has been named the FBS/FCS Assistant Coach of the Year by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston.
James will be among 15 distinguished football players, coaches and officials honored at the club's annual Bob Whelen College Night on Dec. 15 at the Burlington (Mass.) Marriott Hotel.
James was elevated to the positions of associate head coach and defensive coordinator this past spring after serving as defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach in 2024 – his first year back in his second stint on the UNH football coaching staff.
UNH entered the 2025 season with only one returning starter and now enters the FCS first round of the playoffs ranked No. 1 in the nation in fourth down conversion percent defense by limiting the opposition to 30 percent success rate (6-for-20). The Wildcats also rank in the Top 25 in team passing efficiency defense (120.38), scoring defense (21.3 points against per game) and total defense (334.5 yards against per game).
New Hampshire's defense ranks second in the CAA in both scoring defense and passing efficiency defense, as well as third in both interceptions (nine) and total defense.
UNH's defense has been stout during the team's five-game winning streak. The Wildcats have allowed 17.6 points per game and shut out Monmouth, one of the top offenses in the country, in the second half of a 34-13 road win. UNH is also limiting opponents to 304.5 total yards per game and a 39 percent third down conversion percentage. The 'Cats have recorded 26 tackles for loss for an average of 5.2 per game during the win streak, and the defense has seven takeaways with four fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
Three UNH Wildcats on the defensive side of the ball received 2025 All-CAA recognition with defensive tackle Justice Akinmoladun (Grandview, Mo.) on the Second Team and both linebacker Darren Burton II (Newark, N.J.) and defensive end Jordan Mcallister (South Orange, N.J.) on the Third Team. Safety Duncan Moreland (Beverly, Mass.) earned Honorable Mention.
James returned to Durham in 2024 after six seasons as the defensive coordinator for Holy Cross. James spent five seasons as the safeties coach at UNH from 2013-17. During that time, he helped the Wildcats to an overall record of 46-22 with five trips to the NCAA playoffs. New Hampshire won the CAA championship in 2014, while advancing to the NCAA semifinals in 2013 and 2014.
CLICK HERE to reserve tickets for the awards night ($100 each, $1,000 for table of 10) or send a check to Gridiron Club, PO Box 571, Ispwich, Mass. 01938.
UNH (8-4, 6-2 CAA) plays at 14th-seeded South Dakota State University for a Nov. 29 (1pm Eastern) NCAA FCS first round matchup.
Season tickets for the 2026 UNH football season are on sale now - CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
Support UNH Football's Playoff Journey
The Wildcats are competing on the national stage, and your support makes a difference! Every gift helps provide the resources our student-athletes need to succeed.
Join us and keep the momentum going. Give today and help UNH Football power through the playoffs!
CLICK HERE to support UNH Football
James will be among 15 distinguished football players, coaches and officials honored at the club's annual Bob Whelen College Night on Dec. 15 at the Burlington (Mass.) Marriott Hotel.
James was elevated to the positions of associate head coach and defensive coordinator this past spring after serving as defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach in 2024 – his first year back in his second stint on the UNH football coaching staff.
UNH entered the 2025 season with only one returning starter and now enters the FCS first round of the playoffs ranked No. 1 in the nation in fourth down conversion percent defense by limiting the opposition to 30 percent success rate (6-for-20). The Wildcats also rank in the Top 25 in team passing efficiency defense (120.38), scoring defense (21.3 points against per game) and total defense (334.5 yards against per game).
New Hampshire's defense ranks second in the CAA in both scoring defense and passing efficiency defense, as well as third in both interceptions (nine) and total defense.
UNH's defense has been stout during the team's five-game winning streak. The Wildcats have allowed 17.6 points per game and shut out Monmouth, one of the top offenses in the country, in the second half of a 34-13 road win. UNH is also limiting opponents to 304.5 total yards per game and a 39 percent third down conversion percentage. The 'Cats have recorded 26 tackles for loss for an average of 5.2 per game during the win streak, and the defense has seven takeaways with four fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
Three UNH Wildcats on the defensive side of the ball received 2025 All-CAA recognition with defensive tackle Justice Akinmoladun (Grandview, Mo.) on the Second Team and both linebacker Darren Burton II (Newark, N.J.) and defensive end Jordan Mcallister (South Orange, N.J.) on the Third Team. Safety Duncan Moreland (Beverly, Mass.) earned Honorable Mention.
James returned to Durham in 2024 after six seasons as the defensive coordinator for Holy Cross. James spent five seasons as the safeties coach at UNH from 2013-17. During that time, he helped the Wildcats to an overall record of 46-22 with five trips to the NCAA playoffs. New Hampshire won the CAA championship in 2014, while advancing to the NCAA semifinals in 2013 and 2014.
CLICK HERE to reserve tickets for the awards night ($100 each, $1,000 for table of 10) or send a check to Gridiron Club, PO Box 571, Ispwich, Mass. 01938.
UNH (8-4, 6-2 CAA) plays at 14th-seeded South Dakota State University for a Nov. 29 (1pm Eastern) NCAA FCS first round matchup.
Season tickets for the 2026 UNH football season are on sale now - CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
Support UNH Football's Playoff Journey
The Wildcats are competing on the national stage, and your support makes a difference! Every gift helps provide the resources our student-athletes need to succeed.
Join us and keep the momentum going. Give today and help UNH Football power through the playoffs!
CLICK HERE to support UNH Football
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