Gordon Sammis named UConn’s offensive line coach

UConn football coach Jim Mora continues to fill out his staff, hiring Gordon Sammis as offensive line coach.

Sammis held the same position the last three seasons at FCS school William & Mary. He also served as the Tribe’s run-game coordinator for the previous two years.

The appointment is pending the completion of the university’s onboarding process.

“Gordie Sammis is a great fit for our football program,” Mora said in a release. “He is hard-working, caring, and has a track record of helping studentathletes realize and reach their potential. I know he will make a positive impact on our team, and specifically our offensive line.”

This past season, William & Mary led the Colonial Athletic Association in rushing with 203.7 yards per game, nearly 30 yards per game more than the second-best team, Stony Brook.

“I am excited to join Coach Mora’s staff and can’t wait to become part of the UConn community,” Sammis said. “The future of UConn football is bright and I’m looking forward to working with a great group of student-athletes and coaches.”

Under Sammis’ direction, the Tribe’s offensive line was a catalyst for their tremendous improvement in 2019. In addition to nearly doubling its scoring output compared to the previous season, William & Mary averaged nearly 100 more total yards per game than it did in the season prior to Sammis’ arrival. The Tribe’s rushing attack increased its production by more than 130 yards per game and scored 21 more rushing touchdowns than in 2018.

Prior to joining William & Mary, Sammis spent two seasons as the offensive line coach at Lafayette College. The Leopards allowed the fewest sacks in the Patriot League during that time. Before that, Sammis was the offensive line coach at Virginia Military Institute (2015-16) and the tight ends and offensive line coach at Columbia (2012-14).

A 2007 University of Virginia graduate, Sammis earned a degree in government after a playing career as an offensive guard that spanned from 2003-07.