UB’s football team has recently named Western New York native Garrett McLaughlin as the program’s new special teams coordinator for the upcoming 2026 season.
McLaughlin brings a plethora of special teams coaching experience at the collegiate level, joining Buffalo after two seasons with the Columbia Lions, where he was not only the special teams coordinator but also their defensive line coach. In 2024, Columbia finished the season second in the Ivy League in scoring defense. The Lions special teams units also earned All-Conference recognition, and were known for blocking punts and excellent kick returns.
Before coaching at Columbia, McLaughlin spent three years with the New Hampshire Wildcats, coaching their special teams and defensive ends. While at New Hampshire, his units earned national recognition, despite competing at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. He was named the Special Teams Coach on the Rise in 2022 by Our Coaching Network.
Early in his coaching career, McLaughlin also coached at Bates College, Wagner College, the University of New Haven and Buffalo State. As a graduate from Syracuse University with a degree in Sport Management, he began his coaching career with The Orange as a student assistant.
As a native of Orchard Park, NY and someone who has grown up around Western New York football, McLaughlin returns to Buffalo as the Bulls look to bounce back after a disappointing 5-7 (4-4 MAC) season. With McLaughlin’s credentials, expect the Bulls’ special teams to make a massive leap forward next year with the potential for nationwide recognition.
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Photo: Courtesy of Comecoquito | Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
