UMass has fired coach Walt Bell in the midst of his third season along with defensive coordinator Tommy Restivo, the university announced Sunday. Bell posted a 2-23 record with the program, including a 1-8 effort this season, and never won more than a single game in a season, going 0-4 during a COVID-19-shortened 2020.
Offensive line coach Alex Miller, a former UMass football player, will serve as interim coach.
The firing comes after a dismal Week 10 in which the Minutemen lost 35-22 to Rhode Island of the FCS ranks, allowing 337 yards and 6.0 yards per play. Five of URI’s nine drives ended in touchdowns. UMass’ lone win came against UConn on Oct. 9.
As one of the few remaining FBS independents, UMass ranks among the most difficult jobs in major college football. Still, the program fell to new lows under Bell’s watch, with the offense and defense both ranking in the bottom 10 nationally this season. Previous coach Mark Whipple won 16 games in his five years at the helm before the university parted ways with him following the 2018 season.
The program previously competed in the MAC as football-only member, but was ultimately booted from the conference after declining to join the conference as a full member. UMass is a founding member of the non-football Atlantic 10 Conference in all other sports.
Bell, 37, was considered an up-and-comer in the profession when he took the job after one year as Willie Taggart’s offensive coordinator at Florida State. Bell also previously served as offensive coordinator at Maryland and Arkansas State. He played wide receiver at Middle Tennessee from 2003 to 2006 during his college career.
UMass faces off against FCS program Maine on Nov. 13 before traveling to Army and New Mexico State in the final two weeks of the season.
