SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 15, 2026) – Head Football Coach Jason Lebeau has announced the additions of two coaches to his staff for the upcoming 2026 season, welcoming back alum Jake Salera '20/M'22 as the Defensive Coordinator, and the hiring of Peyton Ludemann as the next Special Teams Coordinator. 

"I am excited and fortunate to officially welcome two high-quality people and coaches to our football family," said Lebeau. "Both Coach Salera and Coach Ludemann elevate our program and will help us provide the best experience possible to our student-athletes."

Jake Salera brings a strong background in defensive development, recruiting, and special teams coordination across multiple NCAA levels, including experience at both the Division I (FCS) and Division III levels.

"We are excited to have Coach Salera return to our football program as defensive coordinator," said Lebeau. "In addition to being familiar with the program, he is a great defensive mind and a strong mentor for our student-athletes. I look forward to working alongside Jake as we continue to push GBear football to new heights."

Salera returns to Western Massachusetts after stints at both Endicott College (NCAA DIII) and Stonehill College (NCAA DI – FCS). Most recently, he worked as an assistant football coach at Endicott, serving as the defensive backs coach during the 2025 season. In that role, he was instrumental in designing and implementing practice plans, leading opponent pass-game analysis, and assisting with special teams coordination, particularly the kickoff unit. He also played a key role in recruiting efforts across New England. Endicott, a member of the Conference of New England (CNE), went 9-2 this past year, going a perfect 7-0 in conference play, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament's second round, marking the program's fifth-straight season as an automatic qualifier after winning the conference. Salera helped the Gulls rank 25^th in the nation in total defense last season. Salera coached the 2025 Conference of New England Defensive Player of the Year, Joe Tirrell, and saw three Gulls earn All-Conference recognition following the conclusion of the season.

Prior to joining the Endicott coaching staff, Salera was the assistant football coach for defensive backs at Stonehill College, an NCAA Division I FCS program. Salera spent three seasons at "The Hill" where he focused on game planning and scouting reports, while leading the special teams unit. While at Stonehill, Salera helped develop the 2024 All-Northeast Conference Cornerback Mo Seide. 

Salera's coaching career began at his alma mater, Western New England, in July of 2020, where he started as the graduate assistant, focusing on outside linebackers. At WNE, Salera held roles as Director of Football Operations and Video Coordinator, assisting with opponent breakdowns, recruiting operations, and overall program management. 

Salera holds a pair of degrees from Western New England, including an undergraduate degree in Sport Management, graduating in 2020, while receiving his master's degree in Sport Leadership and Coaching in 2022. A four-time conference champion while playing for the Golden Bears, Salera captained his position group in 2019 during his senior campaign.

Head Coach Jason Lebeau has also announced the hiring of Peyton Ludemann as the Special Teams Coordinator at Western New England. 

"Coach Ludemann joins our program as our Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs coach," said Lebeau. "Peyton's energy is contagious, and is a bright young coach who understands his "why". Coming from outside the region, he brings a unique and fresh perspective that will help us grow into the future."

Ludemann comes to Golden Bear Country after serving as the outside linebackers coach, assistant special teams coach, and graduate assistant at Mount Marty University (NAIA) for the last two seasons. There, Ludemann played a key role in the program's rise, helping the team achieve its first winning season in school history. He also contributed to the development of two All-Conference linebackers and coached the program's first defensive All-American. Ludemann is a graduate of Southwestern University, where he spent five seasons on the Pirates football team. Ludemann is a two-time team captain and was a member of the leadership council and SCAC Committee. He graduated from the university with a degree in sales and marketing in 2023. Ludemann furthered his education while at Mount Marty University, studying a Master of Education in Coaching and Leadership. 

The Western New England football team is set to kick off its 2026 season with the 13^th edition of the SAW Pynchon Trophy Game, hosted by Springfield College this season, on Friday, September 4 at 7:00 PM. A full schedule will be announced in the coming months.