AMHERST — A UMass coaching legend officially called it a career on Thursday morning, as Jim Reid announced his retirement after a stellar coaching career that included 23 years with the Minutemen. The UMass athletics department issued a press release with the news.
Reid had recently been serving in an analyst role under current head coach Joe Harasymiak and previously was the head coach at UMass from 1986-91 — when he led the Minutemen to three Yankee Conference championships. He coached for an astonishing 51 years as he dedicated the majority of his life to the sport.
“Coach Reid exemplifies everything great about UMass football,” head coach Joe Harasymiak said, per UMass’ press release. “In my first several months on the job, he was always there to answer questions, pass along insight and share the perspective I needed. His selflessness set the standard for our program both on and off the field. We’re all part of the UMass football family because of leaders like Coach Reid. He has impacted countless lives through the game and I am both deeply grateful and inspired by his example. Congratulations on a remarkable career, Coach Reid.”
Beyond his prowess wearing a headset, Reid proved to be a constant connection for UMass football players across generations. He served as an unofficial alumni ambassador for those who wore the maroon and white.
“Coach Reid has been an integral part of our program across different decades and has had a remarkable impact on so many Minutemen,” Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford said. “We have really enjoyed having him back with us over the last six years to both mentor our young men and connect them with alumni leading to truly impactful relationships. He has our gratitude and admiration for his service and commitment to Massachusetts football over the years.”
Reid returned to UMass in June of 2021 as the interim defensive tackles coach. He spent 2016-19 at Boston College, where he helped the Eagles make two bowl appearances and mentored 14 All-ACC selections on the defensive side of the ball.
Reid directed the 2017 Eagles defense that finished third nationally in pass efficiency and 12th in interceptions. Boston College also had one of the top defenses in the nation during 2016, Reid’s first season as defensive coordinator. The squad ranked in the top-10 in eight categories, including sacks, total defense and turnovers gained. The Eagles had 47 total sacks on the year, matching a school record set in 1994 also with Reid as defensive coordinator.
On top of his time with UMass and Boston College, Reid also coached at Iowa, Virginia and in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, among others stops.
An appreciated and respected coaching figure in UMass football history, Reid was named Yankee Conference Coach of the Year in 1988 and 1990. He spent the prior 13 seasons at UMass as an assistant under head coaches Dick MacPherson (1973-77), Bob Pickett (1978-83) and Bob Stull (1984-85) and won six Yankee Conference titles in that span. Reid originally joined the staff as a graduate assistant in 1973 before going on to coach the outside linebackers (1975), defensive backs (1976-77) and from 1978-85, he served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
The Medford native played safety at Maine from 1970-72 and earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 1973. He added a master’s in sport management from UMass (1975).
Reid and his wife, Judy, have three children named Matt, Meghan and Molly.