BREAKING | UMass Set To Hire Max Warner As OC
UMass is expected to hire former Bowling Green offensive coordinator Max Warner for the same role in Amherst, according to sources and a report from @TheCursiveU.
Joe Harasymiak and UMass have found their next offensive coordinator.
Sources tell Minuteman Command that UMass is expected to hire Max Warner as the program’s next offensive coordinator. The news was first reported by @TheCursiveU.
The move comes at an urgent time as the Minutemen seek to upgrade its roster through the transfer portal and install a fresh offensive identity for the future.
Warner replaces Mike Bajakian, who departed for Michigan State after one season in Amherst.
Warner comes to Amherst after a multi-year stint on the Bowling Green staff, where he served as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2022 through 2024, after joining the Falcons in 2019.
At Bowling Green, Warner helped develop one of the program’s most efficient passing seasons in recent memory with former star quarterback Connor Bazelak.
Under Warner’s tutelage, Bazelak completed 66.9 percent of his passes for over 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, ranking first in the MAC and 14th in the nation that season. Warner also contributed to the development of tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who earned First Team All-America honors in 2024.
A native of Crystal Lake, Illinois, Warner began his coaching career after playing at Millikin College.
His early experience includes stints as a defensive backs coach at Lakeland College in 2006, positions on staff at North Carolina Wesleyan and the Carlstad Crusaders in Sweden, and a quality control role at Virginia Tech. Warner also led Bloomingdale (Fla.) High School as head coach, building the program into a consistent winner before moving back to the college ranks.
UMass’ offense struggled in 2025 under Bajakian before his departure, particularly in consistency and efficiency. Bajakian’s exit last month came as the Minutemen sought to reset an offense after a challenging campaign.
The pace of Warner’s hiring reflects the staff’s urgency.
UMass is actively engaged in the transfer portal, especially at quarterback, where the Minutemen are pursuing experienced options to bolster the room. With decisions in the portal moving rapidly, having a coordinator in place to engage with prospective additions and help sell the offensive vision in person was crucial.
Adding Warner sets a tone for the offense moving forward, blending developmental upside with a scheme that can adapt to the talent at hand. Warner’s experience with quarterback play and his track record of building productive passing units are key reasons for why he was targeted.
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