University of Connecticut Athletics
Nick Charlton Named to AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute
12/7/2021 6:17:00 AM | Football
STORRS, Conn. - Nick Charlton, who was named UConn's assistant head coach/offensive coordinator last week, was chosen to the American Football Coaches Association's 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute on Monday.
Charlton is one of 35 to be recognized among over 200 nominees.
The AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute is a prestigious program aimed at identifying and developing premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession. Selected participants are invited to attend the one-day institute that features a curriculum of interactive lectures focused on topics specifically tailored to emphasize leadership in the coaching profession, ethics, influential responsibilities, career progression, and family balance.
Charlton, who served as the head football coach at the University of Maine from 2018-21, will also coach the quarterbacks at UConn.
Members of the AFCA 2022 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute receive a stipend to assist with expenses incurred while attending the AFCA Convention. They will be published in the bi-monthly AFCA Magazine, AFCA Insider weekly email blast, and/or have their articles and videos added to the AFCA Educational Library. Additionally, participants will be placed on the AFCA Foundation Committee and become a part of a prestigious network of rising coaches in the profession along with many other great benefits.
To be eligible, applicants had to be born on or after January 1, 1987, and must be currently serving as a high school head coach, two-year college full-time assistant or head coach, or NAIA/NCAA (all divisions) full-time assistant or head coach. Applicants were required to submit a resume, five references, and a 1,600-word article or five-minute live instructional video on an offensive, defensive, special teams, or position-specific topic of the applicant's choosing back in the summer.
A 2011 graduate of Boston College, Charlton led Maine to a 14-13 overall record, including a 10-10 mark in Colonial Athletic Association action, during his three years as head coach. The Black Bears were also successful in the classroom under Charlton, as the team posted a program-best 3.26 GPA during the spring 2020 semester.
During the 2021 fall season, Charlton led Maine to a winning record, and the Black Bears won five of their last six contests. During that stretch, Maine defeated an FBS opponent for the fourth time in program history. That win over UMass marked the largest margin of victory of an FCS team over an FBS opponent during the fall 2021 season (35-10). Maine also defeated archrival New Hampshire, winning on the road at Durham for the first time in 20 years. Charlton mentored nine All-Conference selections in 2021, including six on offense, which marked the second-most in program history.
The Maine offense continued its success in 2021, ranking fifth nationally in turnovers lost and fourth in scoring offense in the CAA. Quarterback Joe Fagnano moved into 11th place all-time in passing yards, despite playing in only fourteen career games. Charlton continued to show his ability as a quarterback developer, leading second-string QB Derek Robertson to 12 touchdowns with only four interceptions after Fagnano suffered an injury in the second game. In addition to the quarterbacks, Charlton has coached five of the top 20 all-time leading wide receivers in UMaine history during his six years in Orono.
During the shortened 2021 spring season, Charlton guided Maine's passing offense to another impressive showing as the Black Bears ranked second in the CAA at 205.8 passing yards per game. Individually, four Black Bears earned All-Conference accolades including the passing duo of quarterback Joe Fagnano (second team) and All-CAA first team receiver, Andre Miller.
