Fitchburg, Mass. – Zachary Shaw has been hired by Fitchburg State University as the head coach of the Falcons' football program and athletics recruiting coordinator as announced by Matthew Burke, Senior Director of Athletics and Recreation on Monday morning. Shaw was most recently the offensive coordinator at Elmhurst University.

"Zach was well received by our campus during his visit," Burke said. "I was impressed with how he understands the big picture and the small nuances with regards to what it takes to build a solid foundation for a football program and look forward to watching him develop our current student-athletes."

In his tenure at Elmhurst, Shaw was responsible for implementing an offense that saw major improvements over years past, along with creating an academic success plan for the student-athletes. He also held the recruiting coordinator title where he oversaw all recruiting events including junior days, summer camps, and campus visits.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Fitchburg State football program into the future. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Bayless, Senior Athletic Director Matt Burke, and the entire search committee for the confidence to step into this role." Said Shaw, "I am extremely grateful and humbled to have been chosen and am looking forward to laying the foundation and putting the pieces in place for our student-athletes to have success on the football field, in the classroom, and in the community. After being on campus, it is obvious that the players and the entire campus community are hungry to get this program turned in the right direction. I can't wait to get to work. Go Falcons!"

Shaw's collegiate football credentials include a two-year stint as the offensive coordinator at Hiram College and time at Nichols College as the director of football operations/offensive coordinator. At Hiram, under Shaw's tutelage, the Terriers set several game and season offensive records.  In 2019 at Nichols College the Bison had the best season in school history posting records in scoring, touchdowns, passing yards, and total offense.

Shaw spent five years overseas, both coaching and playing on various teams in Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and France.

Shaw earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wisconsin Lutheran College and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Nichols College.

Shaw's first day on campus will be Tuesday, January 17th.

Release courtesy of Fitchburg State Sports Information