Chris Palmer. Photo courtesy of the University of New Haven.
The University of New Haven announced today that Chris Palmer, a former National Football League coach with 25 years in the league, two Super Bowl runs, and a 2008 Super Bowl win on his résumé, has become the university’s new Director of Athletics and Recreation.
Palmer led the university’s football program from 1986 to 1987. While best known for his 25 years of coaching in the NFL and 15 years in the college ranks, he also brings athletic administrative experience to the position, a skill set he acquired while serving as coach and general manager of the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League.
“Chris’s experience as a football coach, manager, fundraiser, teacher, and mentor will serve our athletic program superbly,” said Walter Caffey, vice president for enrollment management. “He is a strong and effective leader with an impressive record of successes.”
Palmer worked under, and with, many of the leading names in football, including NFL owners John Mara of the New York Giants, Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots, and Al Lerner of the Cleveland Browns.
He was offensive coach for head coaches Tom Coughlin, Bill Parcells, Jack Pardee, Jim Harbaugh, Don Capers, Rex Ryan, and Mike Munchak. Players Eli Manning, Doug Flutie, Drew Bledsoe, Mark Brunell, Tony Romo, and Hershel Walker were all coached by Palmer.
In his new position, Palmer will have an assist from the university’s head women’s volleyball coach Robin Salters, who, Caffey announced, will be promoted to deputy director of athletics and senior woman administrator. Salters agreed to step away from her coaching position so that she could devote her attention to assisting Palmer with the leadership and administration of the university’s entire athletic program.
UNH has one of the finest comprehensive athletic programs in the Northeast Region, with a rich history of advancing to both conference and NCAA postseason tournament play. The University has been a member of NCAA Division II since the early 1980s and continued the D-II tradition by joining the prestigious Northeast-10 Conference during the 2008-09 season.
For more information, visit www.newhaven.edu.