CASTINE, Maine – Dan McKenna has been named the Defensive Coordinator at Maine Maritime Academy by Head Football Coach, Calvin Powell after previously working as the Special Teams Coordinator / Linebackers Coach for the Mariners during the 2019 season.
 
"I'm extremely excited to have Dan on board," said Powell. "He is an energetic person that loves to be a part of a young person's development. He truly believes and understands the importance of Division III athletics and wants to use this game as a tool to continue to help the next generation."
 
McKenna officially rejoined the Mariners on Monday, May 15 to aid in the process of rebooting the football program after it's suspension in 2020.
 
"I want to thank Coach Powell, Coach Peed and the hiring committee for welcoming me back to Maine Maritime Academy," said McKenna. "I am ecstatic to return to Castine and the MMA community and I look forward to helping rebuild the strong traditions and history of MMA Football!"
 
As a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, McKenna is very familiar with New England football, including Maine Maritime. McKenna served as the Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers Coach for the Mariners back in 2019 and was also the team's Director of Football Operations, responsible for coordinating travel.
 
Most recently McKenna served as the Safeties Coach and Kickers/Punters Coach at Assumption University. During his time at Assumption, the program won a NE10 Championship and McKenna played a part in producing multiple all-conference players. Assumption's defense was also ranked top five nationally in DII football.
 
Before Assumption, McKenna served as the Special Teams Coordinator, Defensive Backs Coach, and Academic Coordinator at Hiram College. He also served as the Special Teams Coordinator at Methodist University, while taking on the role of the  Director of Football Operations.
 
Prior to his time at Methodist he spent four years coaching at his alma mater, Anna Maria College. Under McKenna's guidance, Anna Maria's placekicker/punter Francis Cole was named to the Division III All-American second team as a punter in 2016. Cole was also named to the Worcester Area All-Star Team and the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III North All-Star first team as well as the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) First Team.
 
Prior to coaching, McKenna played for Anna Maria and was honored with the creation of "The Dan McKenna Coaches Award" after his senior season. This award is given out annually to a football player who excels on and off the field.
 
McKenna holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.