Dave Wissman Joins Football Staff

AMHERST, Mass. – Veteran educator and coach Dave Wissman has joined the University of Massachusetts football staff as defensive line coach, it was announced by head coach Mark Whipple on Tuesday.

"Dave Wissman brings a wealth of defensive knowledge to our program," Whipple said. "He's a tremendous person, a great recruiter and really knows how to build relationships. His experience as a defensive coordinator and familiarity with Ed Pinkham's system make him a great fit for our staff."

Wissman spent the 2009-16 seasons with the Sacred Heart football program, including the last six years as defensive coordinator. The Pioneers won back-to-back Northeast Conference Championships in 2013 and 2014 while advancing to the FCS Championships during both campaigns. He tutored 23 all-conference selections, five All-new England honorees and three All-Americans.

"Working with a staff I've known for many years and closer to home, I'm excited and grateful for this opportunity," Wissman said. "I have a lot of respect for Coach Ed Pinkham's system, mentality and philosophy. I know what his expectations are."

Among the prep ranks, Wissman served at The Berkshire School (2005-07), Northfield Mount Hermon (2000-05), Pioneer Regional School (1999-2000), Mahar Regional High School (1998-99) and The Eaglebrook School (1986-98).

A Western Massachusetts native, Wissman was a four-year letterwinner and team captain at New Hampshire (1981-85). During his time in Durham, Wissman was coached by newly hired defensive coordinator Ed Pinkham and was teammates with UMass' Director of Operations Paul Gorham. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from UMass in 1993.

DJ Pirkle also joined the program as special assistant to the defensive coordinator. He spent three seasons (2013-15) as defensive graduate assistant at Western Michigan, also under Pinkham. In 2016, he served as defensive line coach at Northern Michigan.

In 2017, Pinkham will oversee the secondary while Steve Costello will continue to coach the cornerbacks. Charles Walker will coach the linebackers and Mark Michaels will work with the rush ends and continue as special teams coordinator.

The Minutemen will play the first game of the FBS season, hosting the University of Hawai'i on August 26, and five of UMass' six home games will come back to campus and McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

Season ticket renewals and new purchases are underway. For more information on 2017 football season tickets, please contact Doug Bean (dbean@umass.edu). For continued coverage of UMass football, follow the program on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@UMassFootball).

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