Jake Salera '20/M'22 was hired as the Defensive Coordinator for the Western New England Football team in April of 2026. Salera, no stranger to Western New England University, 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.
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 25th 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.Â
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.Â
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.
