In late October, the University of Maine football team took down FCS fifth-ranked Villanova, backed by a solid defensive performance – including four forced turnovers. The prominent defense is led by someone who preaches attitude and effort over everything: Umberto Di Meo, a Springfield College 2018 alum.
He was named the defensive coordinator of the Black Bears in March 2024 and has been a part of a 4-5 team as of Nov. 7 that has a chance to reach their most wins in a season since 2018.
Di Meo knew he wanted to be a coach when he first arrived on campus. He majored in Business Management, inspired by his father, Angelo, who moved from Italy to the U.S. and owned a pizza shop.
Di Meo was a part of the football program after playing all four years at Hamilton West High School in Hamilton Township, N.J., just outside of Trenton. He fell in love with the sport and coaching from a young age, which influenced him to buy into all the coaching philosophies.
“When someone is a part of a football team, it’s natural for someone to think of themself,” Di Meo said. “When it came to being at Springfield, you thought of other people first and how you can impact others. You have to think the same way in coaching, too, because if not, you won’t be doing it for long.”
Di Meo gained lifelong memories with teammates and coaches while playing on the defensive line for Springfield, and was part of a senior class with a cumulative 26-15 record. He loved being a part of end-of-the-year rituals like burning the shoe, as the team would tell untold stories. On the field, he vividly remembers a game against St. Lawrence when he picked off a pass in the final two minutes to seal the game.
After finishing his undergraduate degree, Di Meo began his coaching career at Maine Maritime in 2015. He then returned to be a graduate assistant coach for the Pride, mainly helping with the defensive line and helped Springfield go 10-0 in 2017 to win the first football NEWMAC championship.
“I remember hoisting the trophy, being around the guys and the players. It’s fulfilling to see people that made an impact on, and they’re succeeding,” Di Meo said. “As a coach, seeing someone else succeed with you is cool.”
While at Springfield, Di Meo met his wife, Kelsey, and made many more connections. One of the most significant was with Lou DiRienzo, as they became good friends throughout their time on the coaching staff. DiRienzo is now the defensive coordinator for the Pride, and although DiRienzo didn’t play at Springfield, they created a strong bond and have kept in touch since.
Earlier in the season this year, Maine traveled down to play the University of Albany, and they needed a place to practice. DiRienzo set up a time for the Black Bears to practice on Stagg Field the day before Maine’s game.
“We connected through our passion for the game,” DiRienzo said. “I’ve been to his wedding; he’s been to mine. We shared many common interests, but football was the biggest one, and we both want to be successful in this profession.“
In 2018, when Di Meo finished his graduate studies, he made a massive jump from Division III to Division I, also known as the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and became a graduate assistant at Boston College. While at BC, he worked with future professional players and, at a young age, was tasked with developing those players.
“It was a blessing. I was able to get thrown into the fire when it comes to football at the highest level, and working with athletes, working with students who can do some great things on the football field,” Di Meo said. “I was surrounded by outstanding football players playing at that next level. I saw what makes a player get to that level: their mindset, work ethic and approach to the game.”
Di Meo even faced off against his old coaching partner DiRienzo while coaching for the Eagles when they played against Rutgers. DiRienzo was the Special team’s quality control coordinator when they clashed in 2019.
With stints at BC and Springfield, Di Meo got his first official job as the defensive line coach at URI. A line that became a highly touted group, vastly improving on all pressure statistics, including a top 20 FCS sack rate in 2022. The young coach soon became sought after, and only one year after joining Maine, he became their defensive coordinator.
Di Meo has loved his time so far at Maine. He has taken over as the defensive play caller for a team at one of the highest levels in football. Head Coach Jordan Stevens has made it easy for him to be successful, and Di Meo also accounts for Maine having the same vibe as Springfield.
“I loved the culture and the Brotherhood aspect [at Springfield] when it came to the football team. When it comes to Maine, we have a similar feeling to Springfield,” Di Meo said. “The guys that come up here that play football that I’m surrounded by, they work hard and make a ton of sacrifices to be a part of this team.”
Even six years removed from the coaching staff and Springfield team, Di Meo still remembers coaches who helped shape who he is as a coach now. Mike Cerasuoluo, who became the head coach of the Pride in 2015 after serving as the offensive coordinator for 15 years, saw Di Meo’s work ethic shine amongst others.
“He was extremely dedicated and committed to Springfield College. Every day that he showed up, he tried to improve his craft, and he’s continuing to do that in football,” Cerasuolo said. “He cared a ton about his teammates, and that’s what you see in future and successful coaches.”
As Di Meo establishes himself as a highly dedicated coach, DiRienzo could tell it from the beginning.
“Umberto impressed me from day one with his attention to detail, ability in recruiting and the relationships he fostered with his players,” DiRienzo said. “We grew our coaching philosophies together.”
Di Meo will soon finish his first season as the DC in Maine, looking to cap off a strong 2024 outing.