KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island head football coach Jim Fleming announced a number of coaching staff changes ahead of the 2025 season, including the promotion of associate head coach Mike Flanagan to offensive coordinator. 

"I am confident that I have been able to put a staff together that will give us the best opportunity to repeat as CAA Football Champions," Fleming said. "They are a group of bright and energetic coaches that all share our player-first approach to the game. My job is to give our players the type of coaches that will guide them to reach their fullest potential in all areas of their lives and I am certain that this staff will deliver on that promise."

Entering his 11th season with Rhode Island in 2025, Flanagan has been a stalwart member of the coaching staff and has served in many different roles with the program. He has worn the hat of recruiting coordinator, director of football operations and defensive quality control while spending time as the tight ends coach, the running backs coach and, most recently, the offensive line coach.

After three years working with a highly successful running backs unit, Flanagan shifted to the offensive line in 2024 and helped Brock Bethea (Second Team) and Tre Alexander (Third Team) earn All-CAA Football honors while serving as the Rams' run game coordinator. 

He has coached all-conference selections in every position group he's touched and, as a Rhode Island native, plays a crucial role in the team's ability to recruit the state's top talent. 

"I am excited to have Mike Flanagan running our offense," Fleming added. "His experience with multiple position groups over the last 10 years has prepared him well for this opportunity. He is an outstanding communicator, teacher and leader and has put together an outstanding offensive staff that will lead our offense with the goal of bringing another football championship to Kingston." 

Along with Flanagan, a few other members of the Rhody coaching staff will pivot from their previous positions ahead of the upcoming campaign. John Fils-Aime, who enters his third year as the Director of Football Operations, is now in a full-time role. Tyler Loftus will coach the quarterbacks and serve as both the pass game coordinator and recruiting coordinator. Aidan McClellan will coach the running backs unit, while Vince Sinagra will work with the specialists. 

Additionally, Fleming brought in a handful of newcomers to work with the Rams. Drake Jackson, a former standout center for the Kentucky Wildcats (2016-20), will head the offensive line unit. He will be aided by assistant offensive line coach Sebastian Delasoudas, who was a four-year captain for URI (2018-23) before joining the coaching ranks. Nick Kazandjian, who worked in offensive quality control for URI in 2021-22, is back in the same role and will assist with coaching the tight ends. Also making the return to Kingston is American Football Coaches Association 35 Under 35 honoree Will Fleming (wide receivers), who was previously on the staff from 2014-19 and has since made stops at Boston College, Valparaiso and Lamar. Rounding out the new additions is a familiar face in Brady Roark, who will serve as the Assistant Director of Operations/Special Projects on the heels of a six-year career as one of the Rams' starting tight ends.

The 2025 campaign kicks off at Meade Stadium on Friday, Aug. 29 with a game against Campbell. Season tickets for the 2025 season are still available HERE or by calling the ticket office at 401-874-7267.

Before then, the team will compete in its annual Blue-White Game on Saturday, April 19. Season ticket holders will receive extra benefits during the intersquad contest, including food and drink vouchers, free 4-packs and other giveaways.