Jordan Stevens | University of Maine

Jordan Stevens (‘10), was named the 37th head football coach at UMaine on Dec. 7, 2021.

Stevens, an All-CAA third team selection with the Black Bears before serving a four-year stint as an assistant coach at UMaine, returned home to Orono after spending the previous seven seasons on staff at Yale.

Stevens played for the Black Bears from 2006-2009 before mentoring Maine’s defensive line in an assistant coaching role from March 2011 through February 2015.

A native of Temple, Maine, Stevens mentored nine All-Ivy League players and a pair of All-Colonial Athletic Association honorees during his 11-year assistant coaching career with Yale and UMaine. While at Yale, Stevens spent his first three seasons as the defensive line coach with the Bulldogs before being elevated to assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator, working specifically with the linebackers, in Jan. 2018. After spending one season working with the linebackers, Stevens returned to his roots, switching back to mentoring the defensive line in a role he would serve from Jan. 2019 until the end of his stint with the Bulldogs.

Stevens served a key role in leading Yale to Ivy League titles in 2017 and, as the assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator, again in 2019 as the Bulldogs finished both title seasons with a 9-1 mark. In 2017, Stevens helped mentor a defensive unit which led the Ivy League in total defense (302.8 yards per game allowed); scoring defense (15.6 points allowed); rushing defense (73.1 rush yards allowed); third down conversion percentage defense (29.9 percent); and tackles for loss (85). The Bulldogs’ numbers were not just impressive against their Ivy League peers but also ranked in the top-10 in the nation in scoring defense, rushing defense, third down conversion percentage defense, and tackles for loss during the 2017 campaign.

The 2021 season saw Yale post some of its best defensive marks in recent history as the unit, under the guidance of Stevens as co-defensive coordinator, led the nation in third down conversion percentage defense (22.1), ranked ninth nationally in sacks per game (3.2/32 total), and checked in 23rd in all of the Football Championship Subdivision in rush defense after allowing just 117.1 yards per game on the ground.

Yale consistently progressed on the defensive side of the ball under Stevens’ leadership. In his first season with the defensive line, the Bulldogs posted six sacks and 19 tackles for loss. Three years later, under the direction of Stevens, Yale turned those statistical numbers into 22.5 sacks and 44.5 tackles for loss as the Bulldogs would post 18 or more sacks in three of the last four seasons and 34 or more tackles for loss in four of the last five years.

Stevens began his coaching career at the University of Maine, serving two seasons as the assistant defensive line coach before a two-year stint as the lead defensive line coach at his alma mater in Orono. Stevens, who mentored NFL Draft Pick and two-time All-CAA selection Trevor Bates and All-CAA second team selection and Maine’s career sack leader Michael Cole, helped guide the Black Bears to the NCAA FCS Playoffs in 2011 and to a CAA Championship and another trip to the NCAA FCS Playoffs in 2013. Maine’s Black Hole defense was impressive during Stevens’ time at UMaine, posting the top ranked scoring defense and red zone defense in 2012, the CAA’s fourth ranked total defense in 2013, and the CAA’s second ranked total defense, 16th in the nation, in 2014.

An All-CAA third team selection at defensive end, UMaine’s Most Valuable Player, and a New England Football Writers FCS All-Star selection in 2009, Stevens enjoyed an impressive four-year career with the Black Bears. Stevens appeared in 45 games at UMaine while registering 184 tackles, 24 sacks, 16.0 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles, while logging a pair of safeties. In 2008, Stevens guided the Black Bears to an appearance in the NCAA FCS Playoffs.

Following his playing career with the Black Bears, Stevens participated in NFL Rookie Mini Camp with the Detroit Lions before signing with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League for Mini and Training Camp in 2010.

Stevens earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Management from UMaine in 2010. A Mt. Blue high school graduate, Stevens and his wife, Ellen, have one daughter, Noella and son, Carson.

Stevens’ Resume:

Yale Assistant Head Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Line, Pro Liaison (Jan. 2019 - Dec. 2021)

Yale Assistant Head Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers, Pro Liaison

(Jan. 2018 - Jan. 2019)

Yale Defensive Line Coach, Pro Liaison

(Feb. 2015 - Jan. 2018)

UMaine Defensive Line Coach, Pro Liaison

(July 2013 - Feb. 2015)

UMaine Assistant Defensive Line Coach/Outside Linebackers

(March 2011 - July 2013)

UMaine Student-Athlete - Defensive Lineman

(2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 seasons)

What they're saying about Coach Stevens:

"We are thrilled Jordan Stevens has accepted our offer to be the next head coach for UMaine Football. He has a proven track record of excellence both on and off the field and brings a winning mindset to Orono. His commitment to his players and dedication to their personal development stood out in the search process. Our players will be able to feel his passion for UMaine Football every day. As a native Mainer, and accomplished former Black Bear player, Jordan will be able to unite our alumni and fan base in an exciting way. We can't wait for him to put his mark on the program." - Ken Ralph, Director of Athletics

"The University of Maine is delighted to have Jordan Stevens returning to Orono as our next head football coach. Coach Stevens has a proven track record of success and strong ties to the Black Bears. We are incredibly proud of all of our student-athletes and excited for the future of UMaine football under the guidance of Coach Stevens and his team." - Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy, UMaine President

"I’m very excited for Jordan Stevens and Maine Football! Jordan represents the very best of the qualities of a Black Bear! I had the honor and privilege of recruiting, coaching, and then hiring Jordan to work on our staff at Maine. He sets incredibly high standards for himself and those around him. An All-Conference player, a honors student, a captain and a wearer of No. 9 says it all. I’m also excited for the players who are there now and the opportunity they have in front of them to be led and coached by Jordan. They are going to love everything about him!” - Jack Cosgrove, 23 year head coach at UMaine 

"Jordan Stevens is a phenomenal football coach but he is an even better person. His hard work, dedication, and commitment to representing the University of Maine will be at the forefront of everything that he does. I am so excited for Jordan and his family and for what the future holds for Black Bear football." - Joe Harasymiak, Co-Defensive Coordinator, University or Minnesota 

“Coach Jordan Stevens is the pure definition of what a Maine Black Bear is. A by product of being born and raised in the state, a standout defensive captain, and my coach for several years.  It is a no brainer to hire back Stevens to lead this program. His passion, love, and commitment to the game and the university will bring nothing but positivity to the school, community, and the team as a whole. I am extremely excited for him and this great opportunity. Best of luck to all, and go Black Bears! - Pat Ricard, Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler

“Jordan has earned this opportunity to return to his alma mater through his tireless work here at Yale. Not only is he a gifted coach and recruiter, but an incredible person that will no doubt make an impact for Maine. I am truly excited for both Jordan, his wife Ellen, their daughter Noella, and their son, Carson." - Tony Reno, Joel E. Smilow '54 Head Coach of Yale Football

"I could not be more excited to hear the news that Jordan Stevens has been named head football coach at the University of Maine. As a player, Jordan was one of the hardest working and toughest I’ve coached. As a coach, his ability to teach and develop players truly sets him apart. As a person, Jordan is as genuine as they come and will make all of Black Bear Nation proud!” - Joe Rossi, University of Minnesota Defensive Coordinator, former UMaine assistant coach/defensive coordinator 2007-11.