Jack Cosgrove, a cornerstone of University of Maine football for nearly four decades, is set to be inducted into the program’s Ring of Honor, a testament to his enduring influence on the Black Bears.
A Legendary Tenure
Over 36 seasons, Cosgrove amassed 129 victories, the most in school history, and appeared in 264 games, also a record for any head coach at UMaine. His teams captured three conference titles, earned five FCS playoff berths and secured three playoff victories, establishing a winning culture that still defines the program.
Beyond the win column, Cosgrove’s impact is reflected in the development of standout players such as former NFL defensive end Mike DeVito, who credits Cosgrove with identifying and nurturing talent that could compete at the highest levels.
Voices from the Program
Current UMaine head coach Jordan Stevens praised Cosgrove’s mentorship, noting that “the standards he set on and off the field continue to guide our players today.”
Mike DeVito highlighted Cosgrove’s ability to find and develop talented players, calling him a pivotal figure in the pipeline that produced professional athletes.
Cosgrove’s accolades include being named 2013 Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year, a three‑time finalist for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year Award, and a two‑time second‑team All‑Yankee Conference quarterback during his own playing days.
A native of Waterville, Maine, Cosgrove earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in educational administration from UMaine in 1978 and 1981, respectively, before returning to lead the program he once quarterbacked.
After stepping down from the Maine sidelines, he took the helm at Colby College in Waterville, where he continues to shape young athletes while maintaining strong ties to his alma mater.
Honors and Recognition
The upcoming induction will place Cosgrove alongside other legends in the Ring of Honor, joining figures celebrated for their contributions to Maine football’s rich history.
His name also appears in the state of Maine Sports Hall of Fame and the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame, underscoring a career that transcended the gridiron.