The University at Albany’s football program has announced significant changes ahead of the 2026 season. Newly appointed head coach Tom Perkovich has confirmed the hiring of three key coordinators to enhance the team’s competitive edge. Mike Wiand will serve as the offensive coordinator, Matthew Scott as the defensive coordinator, and Keith Larson as the special teams coordinator.
Perkovich expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, stating, “We are incredibly excited to bring Mike, Matthew, and Keith into the Great Dane family. All three bring a wealth of experience, a proven track record of developing student-athletes, and a deep understanding of what it takes to consistently win in college football. Their leadership will be instrumental as we enter this next chapter of UAlbany football.”
Mike Wiand: Offensive Coordinator with Proven Success
Mike Wiand joins UAlbany after a successful tenure at Susquehanna University, where he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Under his leadership, the River Hawks achieved remarkable success, securing four consecutive conference championships from 2022 to 2025. Wiand, who initially joined Susquehanna as a running backs coach in 2018, quickly ascended the ranks, ultimately becoming the offensive coordinator in 2024. His efforts contributed significantly to the team’s transformation into a powerhouse, leading to multiple NCAA Playoff appearances and coaching accolades, including Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
Notably, Wiand played a crucial role in developing standout players, such as two-time Landmark Conference Offensive Player of the Year Josh Ehrlich.
Matthew Scott: Defensive Experience and Regional Ties
Bringing over 15 years of coaching experience, Matthew Scott has been appointed as UAlbany’s defensive coordinator. He previously served as the head coach at PennWest Edinboro, where he led the team to its first seven-win season since 2018 and a share of the PSAC West Division title for the first time since 2005. His success earned him the PSAC West Coach of the Year honors.
Scott is familiar with the UAlbany program, having previously worked there as the special teams coordinator and position coach from 2010 to 2014. During his initial time with the Great Danes, he helped the team secure two Northeast Conference Championships in 2011 and 2012 and an appearance in the FCS Playoffs.
As the defensive coordinator at the University of New Haven from 2017 to 2024, Scott oversaw one of the most formidable defensive units in NCAA Division II, leading the team to three Northeast-10 Conference Championships and five NCAA Playoff appearances. He holds a degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the University of New Haven.
Keith Larson: High-Level Specialist Development
Completing the coaching trio, Keith Larson returns to the Capital Region as the special teams coordinator. He has extensive experience in specialist development, most recently serving as a special teams analyst at Texas A&M and Duke University. While at Texas A&M, he contributed to the team’s historic achievement of reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time.
Larson is well-acquainted with Northeast football, having served as the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach at Bucknell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). At RPI, he played an instrumental role in leading the Engineers to two Liberty League titles and back-to-back NCAA Division III playoff appearances, including a quarterfinal run in 2018. He is a former three-year letterwinner and special teams captain at Valparaiso University, and he holds a master’s degree in Sports Administration from Robert Morris University.
The hiring of Wiand, Scott, and Larson marks a pivotal moment for UAlbany football as it aims to build on its successes and foster a culture of excellence in the upcoming season.
