THROGGS NECK, NY – Maritime College Director of Athletics Mike Berkun has announced that Jamel Ramsay will be the new head coach of the Privateers’ football program in 2024.  A graduate of Long Island University—C.W. Post Campus, Ramsay comes to Maritime from Nassau Community College, where he led the Lions to three postseason appearances in seven seasons as head coach.

“I am thrilled to be the next Head Football Coach at Maritime College,” Ramsay said.  “I eagerly anticipate building upon the program’s past success and am grateful to Mike Berkun and the entire search committee for granting me this opportunity.  I am committed to the student-athletes and dedicated to achieving success both on and off the field.”

Ramsay never had a losing season during his tenure at Nassau, compiling a 37-23 record.  In 2018, the Lions went 8-3 and capped the season with a dominant 46-6 win over Northland Community & Technical College in the Red Grange Bowl.  Nassau returned to the postseason the following year, falling to Iowa Central in the Graphics Edge Bowl to finish 7-4 overall.  After the 2020 campaign was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nassau made its first-ever appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division 3 National Championship Game in 2021.  The Lions ended up second in the country after dropping a 34-29 decision to DuPage.  Nassau was ranked fourth nationally in 2022 and fifth in 2023.

More than 300 student-athletes who played for Ramsay at Nassau moved on to NCAA Division I, II or III programs.  He also mentored five coaches who are now working at the NCAA Division I level.

After beginning his college career as a wide receiver, Ramsay transitioned to the defensive side of the ball, becoming a starting cornerback and team captain.  Upon graduation, he played two seasons of arena football with the Albany Firebirds before returning to LIU Post as an assistant coach and video coordinator in 2008.  Ramsay then served as the head coach at Shreiber High School on Long Island from 2011-15.  Prior to taking over at Nassau in 2017, he spent the 2016 season as LIU Post’s wide receivers coach.

“It was clear throughout the interview process that Jamel was the exact candidate we were looking for,” Berkun said.  “His experience, positive attitude, proven success, and passion for the job were apparent the entire time.  We can’t wait for Coach Ramsay to continue the pride and tradition of the football program and take it to new heights.”

The Privateers posted a 5-5 record in 2023, their first year as members of the New England Women’s & Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC).  Maritime begins its 2024 campaign by hosting Mass Maritime in the annual Chowder Bowl on Friday night, Sept. 6.