Puccio Named Offensive Coordinator

CASTINE, Maine -- Richard Puccio was named the Maine Maritime Academy football offensive coordinator by Head Coach Chris McKenney on Tuesday. Puccio joins the staff after spending the last five seasons at Hamilton College as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

"I'd like to thank the MMA administration, Athletic Director Steve Peed and Coach McKenney for this tremendous opportunity to be a part of this up and coming program," said Puccio. "I look forward to a great experience here."

In 2017 one of his receivers made the all-NESCAC first team and five of Hamilton's offensive
records were either broken or tied, including the program mark for passing yards in a season. A wide receiver and an offensive lineman received all-NESCAC team recognition in 2016. Puccio's offense led the conference in fourth-down conversions with a 60 percent success rate. In 2015 Puccio coached three Continentals to the all-conference team on offense, and one of the running backs made the D3football.com all-region team for the East Region. Under Puccio's guidance, Hamilton ranked second in the conference in passing yards per completion. One of Puccio's players made the all-NESCAC and D3football.com all-region teams on offense in 2014.

"We are excited to welcome Rich to the Mariner Football Family," said McKenney. "He comes with a great deal of offensive experience and success at two quality Division 3 programs. He will fit in well with our staff and our players will benefit from his extensive football knowledge and enthusiasm for the game."

Prior to Hamilton, Puccio spent 10 seasons as the quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator at Alfred University. The Saxons made 10 postseason appearances during that time, including NCAA playoff appearances in 2009 and 2010. He helped Alfred set 19 school records on offense.

Puccio was a record-setting quarterback at SUNY Cortland. He was named to the Football Gazette All-America Team in 1989 and was the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Upstate New York Player of the Year as a senior. Puccio, who set 10 school records for the Red Dragons, was a two-time ECAC all-star. He received his bachelor's degree from Cortland and began his coaching career there under Hamilton head coach Dave Murray.

Puccio's coaching experience includes 10 years with the Rush-Henrietta Central School program, including four as the Royal Comets' head coach. A 2005 inductee into the New York State Section V Football Hall of Fame, Puccio earned his master's degree from SUNY Brockport. He and his wife Debra have two children, Allison and Joseph.