Ken Goodwin named defensive line coach

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University football head coach Chris Merritt announced Ken Goodwin as the Bulldogs' defensive line coach on Tuesday, March 3.

Goodwin comes to Smithfield after spending the last six seasons, including the last three as defensive coordinator, at Stonehill College. He helped turn the Skyhawks into one of the top defensive teams in the Northeast-10 Conference during his time there.

"We are excited to add Ken Goodwin to our staff as the defensive line coach," Merritt said. "Ken has a solid reputation of coaching hard-nosed defenses and successful experience in recruiting the New England states. We feel Ken is a great fit for our program and our student-athletes."

A native of Foxboro, Massachusetts, Goodwin's arrival at Stonehill in 2013 brought about the best season for the Skyhawks since 1996. Stonehill would go on to win a share of the NE-10 Regular-Season title and play in its first conference championship game. In the six years that followed, Goodwin would go on to coach 17 All-NE-10 selections, while his defenses ranked in the top 25 nationally on an annual basis.

Goodwin's defense ranked fifth nationally in third-down defense, ninth in first downs allowed per game, 14th in pass defense and 27th in total defense. The Skyhawks led the NE-10 in total defense on three occasions, rushing defense three times and passing defense twice during Goodwin's time. Goodwin was also responsible for recruiting 13 members in the 2019 recruiting class.

Before arriving at Stonehill, Goodwin spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater, Springfield College. He served as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator in 2012. Goodwin coached three All-Empire 8/Liberty League performers and helped the Pride win the 2012 ECAC North-East title.

Goodwin is a 2010 graduate of Springfield, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation management with a minor in business management. He was a four-year starter at linebacker for the Pride, helping lead the team to the 2006 Empire 8 Conference Championship as well as the 2009 ECAC Northeast and 2010 ECAC North Atlantic Bowl Championships. Goodwin was a two-time All-Empire 8 first team selection, earning All-New England honors from the New England Football Writers and ECAC North All-Star accolades. He was also named the Defensive MVP for his team in 2009 and 2010.

Goodwin, a native of Foxboro, Massachusetts, earned his Master's of Physical Education Degree from Springfield in 2013 with a concentration in athletic administration.