Nic Keene - Defensive Coordinator | Safeties - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

Nic Keene

Title:
Defensive Coordinator | Safeties

Nic Keene was appointed as the Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach at the University of New Hampshire in February 2026 following a three-year stint at Springfield College. During his multi-year stretch at Springfield (2023–2025), the program had the strongest three-year run in its storied 136-year history. Springfield won three straight conference championships, made three consecutive NCAA playoff appearances, and produced multiple major award winners.

He served as Defensive Coordinator in 2025, following two seasons as the co-Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator. During the 2025 campaign, Keene directed one of the nation’s elite defenses that finished the regular season ranked #2 nationally in total defense and top 10 in scoring defense, rushing defense, and 3rd-down defense. His defense anchored Springfield's 9–3 season and led the team to an NCAA playoff win. Springfield's defense was recognized with 10 all-conference selections, including the conference Defensive Player of the Year, 2 all-region honorees, and one All-American.

In addition to his role defensively, his impact on special teams was notable. During Springfield's 2024 Elite 8 appearance, Springfield ranked third in punt return defense, 11th in punt return, and 26th in kickoff return. His units produced the conference Special Teams Player of the Year and an all-region kick returner. In his first season back on Alden Street, Springfield ranked near the top of the country in blocked kicks, ranking #5 in punts blocked and #17 in blocked kicks.

Before Springfield, Keene served as Special Teams Coordinator, Secondary Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator at St. Olaf College (2022). He implemented new systems on special teams and contributed to a defensive overhaul. His special teams units ranked inside the national top 30 in blocked punts, blocked kicks, and kickoff return performance. Defensively, Mark Thrower was named all-conference as a cornerback and all-region on special teams, ranking ninth nationally in blocked kicks.

Keene held impactful roles at the high school level in Savannah, Georgia, where he coordinated defenses, led strength and conditioning programs, and contributed to a historic region championship at Savannah Country Day School and a playoff appearance at New Hampstead High School. He helped guide 11 athletes to the collegiate level at various programs across the country.

Before his time in Georgia, Keene coached at Yale University (2018–2019) as Defensive Quality Control. He assisted in the organization of defensive systems, managed scouting and opponent breakdowns, and played a role in national recruiting efforts. His time at Yale came after two years as the Offensive Line Coach at Springfield College. In 2017, the Pride went 10–0 in the regular season and set the NCAA rushing record. Keene began his collegiate coaching career at Bates College, where he was an Assistant Offensive Line coach.

Keene earned a Master of Science in Exercise Science (Sport Psychology) from Springfield College and a Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education from Plymouth State University, where he played defensive line and linebacker. Keene and his fiancée, Madison, will be married in July.

Keene’s Coaching Career

2025 – Springfield College, Defensive Coordinator

2023–2024 – Springfield College, Special Teams Coordinator / Co-Defensive Coordinator / Recruiting Coordinator

2022 – St. Olaf College, Special Teams Coordinator / Secondary Coach / Recruiting Coordinator

2021 – New Hampstead High School, Co-Defensive Coordinator / Strength and Conditioning

2020–2021 – Savannah Country Day School, Defensive Coordinator / Strength and Conditioning

2018–2019 – Yale University, Defensive Quality Control

2016–2018 – Springfield College, Offensive Line

2015–2016 – Edward Little High School, Assistant Football Coach, Head Track Coach

2014 – Bates College, Assistant Offensive Line