Release Courtesy of the University of Dubuque Sports Information Department
DUBUQUE, Iowa – After an extensive nationwide search for its 21
st head football coach,
Ryan Maiuri (MY-ear-ee) has been selected as the next head football coach at the University of Dubuque.
"We are excited for Ryan and his family to join the Spartans Family," stated Nelson Edmonds, Vice President of Student Engagement and Intercollegiate Athletics. "The depth and breadth of his experiences and his success as a play caller and member of programs that do the little things correctly made Coach Maiuri an intriguing candidate. His reputation as a great father, husband, and relationship builder made him the right fit for our Mission and our football program."
Most recently Maiuri coached at Central College as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since 2015. Under Maiuri's guidance, the Dutch set 62 new offensive school records in 2021 and led the NCAA Division III in seven statistical categories. Quarterback Blaine Hawkins received the Gagliardi Trophy as Division III's outstanding player while wide receiver Tanner Schminke was a first-team all-America selection.
"I feel a special calling to the University of Dubuque, as it reminds me of where I went to college," stated Maiuri. "Our program is going to be built on discipline, accountability, and toughness. We are going to work hard to bring in the best regional student-athletes and student-athletes from around the country, and grow them into the men that they are called to be. I'm excited for the opportunity to join this great university and community."
His achievements at Central include:
- Team has 62-17 (.765) overall record, 46-13 (.780) in conference games in eight seasons
- (2) NCAA Division III playoffs appearance – 2019, 2021
- (2) American Rivers Conference championships – 2019, 2021
- (2) Conference coaching staff of the year – 2019, 2021
- (2) American Rivers Conference offensive MVP awards – Blaine Hawkins, 2019, 2021
- (4) American Rivers all-conference first team quarterback awards – Riley Gray, 2016; Blaine Hawkins, 2018, 2019, 2021
- (29) offensive all-conference awards
Maiuri graduated from Lakeland College (Wis.) in 2006 and received Illini-Badger Conference player of the year honors in 2005. He led the Muskies to their first-ever playoff berth and was the league's offensive player of the year in 2004. He helped lead Lakeland to a four-year overall record of 30-11 and a 23-5 conference record (Illini-Badger Football Conference).
In 2007, Maiuri returned to Lakeland and spent two seasons as the football strength and conditioning coordinator and graduate assistant coach for defensive backs. He then was an assistant coach for tight ends at Division II Winona State University (Minn.) before joining the staff of Adrian College (Mich.) in 2011 as quarterbacks coach and junior varsity offensive coordinator.
Maiuri was a graduate assistant coach at the University of Minnesota from 2012-2014, working with quarterbacks and wide receivers.
He earned a master's degree in counseling from Lakeland in 2008 and a master's in kinesiology at Minnesota in 2014.
Maiuri is a native of Sterling Heights, Mich., and will relocate to Dubuque with his wife, Bridgette, and their four children.
A formal press conference will be held on Monday, Jan. 8, with a confirmation on time and location to follow.
About the American Rivers Conference
The Conference dates back to December 8, 1922, when representatives from 12 colleges got together and formed the "Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association." Honoring its heritage in Iowa and its expansion outside the state, the American Rivers Conference brand was established on August 9, 2018, to build on the academic and athletic success provided by its legacy, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The A-R-C has nine full-time members: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
