Jake Zweig

Motivational leader, expert in dealing with risk-taking behavior, and innovator, Jake Zweig has brought the standards of excellence in training, toughness, teamwork and focus from his former world as a Navy SEAL commando to college football. Mr. Zweig has earned professional success as a naval special warfare officer and an entrepreneur and applies that same intensity and commitment to coaching his players.

Mr. Zweig made an immediate impact in his first season at the University of New Hampshire—boosting the defense to 21st in the nation in sacks, up from 109th the previous year. Now in his second season, Mr. Zweig added special teams assignments to his responsibilities as he continues to mentor the Wildcat defensive line. The defensive line excelled again in 2010 registering 36 sacks and two All-League players. In addition to his success on the field, Mr. Zweig earned appointments to the University President’s Commission on the Status of Disable People, the President’s Commission on the Status of People of Color and the NCAA’s Football Coaches Academy Class of 2009. Mr. Zweig came to UNH with a wealth of experience and an impressive record of achievement. His arrival to the Wildcat staff followed one successful season as the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator at Iona College. Prior to Iona, he spent two seasons as the defensive line and special teams coach at the Catholic University of America.

While at Catholic, his special teams earned top conference honors in both touchdowns scored and punt return yards. Off the field, Mr. Zweig is a natural recruiter and relates to prospective players and their parents by drawing from his own personal experiences of setting and achieving difficult goals. A true mentor to his team, Mr. Zweig charted and executed academic progression plans, identified potential academic problems early, and created incentives for consistent performance.

Mr. Zweig began his coaching career in 2005 when he joined the University of Maryland staff as a graduate assistant working with the Terrapin wide receivers. A life-long athlete and team leader, Mr. Zweig returned to college athletics following a successful career in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Zweig graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995