John Burrell joined the Bowdoin coaching staff as defensivecoordinator in the summer of 2012. Burrell has 19 years of coachingexperience, including ten as a head coach. In his second season atthe helm of the Polar Bear defense, he mentored Bowdoin'sfirst-ever NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year, Joey Cleary.
Burrell comes to the Polar Bears from Western Connecticut StateUniversity, where he began as a graduate assistant coach oflinebackers, was promoted to defensive coordinator shortlythereafter. Throughout his tenure, his defensive units ranked amongthe best statistically in Division III, including his 2001 squadthat ranked first in the nation in turnovers. Twice the Colonialsadvanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with Burrell asdefensive coordinator - in 1999 and 2001.
Tabbed as head coach in 2002, he produced 86 All-Conferenceselections and facilitated the team's move to the New JerseyAthletic Conference in 2004. During his time as head coach, WesternConnecticut broke over 50 individual and team records.
Burrell is a 1992 graduate of Middlebury College and has beenactive in the American Football Coaches Association, serving aschairs of both the Coach of the Year Committee and All-America TeamSelection Committee. He currently resides in Brunswick and isengaged to fiancee Stefany Gregoire. He is active in communityservice, volunteering with the Knights of Columbus, Big Brother/BigSister and Mid-Coast Hunger Prevention, among others in MidcoastMaine.
Recruiting areas: Connecticut,New York, Small Conn. Preps, Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan,Minnesota, Washington, Oregon
