BEVERLY, Mass. – JB Wells, the only head coach the Endicott football program has known since its inception in 2001 as a junior varsity team, has elected to step down from his post after 12 seasons. Wells brought two New England Football Conference (NEFC) championships and NCAA Tournament appearances to Endicott in 2010 and 2013 as well as back-to-back Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) North Bowl victories in 2011 and 2012 while accumulating a 75-48 (55-26 NEFC) all-time record.
"This was a heart-wrenching decision but it is the best one for myself and my family," said Wells. "I want to thank Dr. Wylie, Tom Redman, Larry Hiser, and Brian Wylie for taking a chance on me to start the football program at Endicott. What we have been able to do at Endicott with a committed group of players, coaches, and administrators is nothing short of remarkable."
Wells, a three-year starter for his alma mater Trinity (Conn.) from 1988-91 with coaching stints with the Bantams (1998, co-offensive coordinator/offensive line) and Bates (1994-95, offensive line), will return to the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) and become the 29th head coach in Bowdoin football's 122-year history. Wells will succeed David Caputi who led the Polar Bears over the past 14 seasons.
Director of Athletics, Brian Wylie offered, "I can think of very few people that can take a program like football from its infancy and develop a group of young men over the last 12 years the way JB has done. His tenants of discipline, character, leadership, and high academic expectations are what have propelled this program on its trajectory upward. I wish Coach Wells nothing but the best in his new coaching endeavor."
In the brief, 12-year history of Endicott varsity football, Wells elevated the program to be one of most talented and respected collection of competitors in New England. Endicott's .610 winning percentage is the third-most among New England football programs and Wells' 75 wins are the fourth-most among active New England coaches since 2003. Under his tutelage, Endicott quickly became one of the most feared teams in the NEFC, winning their first conference title over a historically dominant Maine Maritime squad in 2010 and in convincing fashion in 2013 by going undefeated in league play. In both seasons, Endicott and the hard-working, dedicated players and coaches represented the College well in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament.
A tradition of success has been established and will continue into a new era of Endicott football. The College will immediately begin execution of a thorough, nationwide search for its next head coach who will espouse the same ideals that Endicott covets and that will elevate the program to new heights.
"People are what makes Endicott a very special place and it is the people I will miss most, especially all the players, past and present, who worked so hard to achieve so much in such a short time. I know the Gulls are in a great position to soar to new heights in the years to come and I wish them the best of luck going forward."