Springfield, Mass. – April 9, 2026 – Springfield College Director of Athletics, Dr. Craig Poisson, and head coach Mike Cerasuolo have announced a number of coaching changes for the Springfield College football team ahead of the 2026 season.

Sam Nelson, who served as a graduate assistant under Cerasuolo for the previous two seasons, has been elevated to a full-time assistant coach and will move into the role of offensive coordinator. Alfred "Tank" Boni, who also served as a graduate assistant coach for the previous two seasons, has been elevated to a full-time assistant coach and will serve as a core coordinator and coach the linebackers group.

"From high school, to prep school, to the professional level and at the NCAA Division III level,  Coach Nelson and Coach Boni bring a myriad of coaching experiences to the sidelines on Alden Street," said Poisson. "Both Sam and Tank's familiarity with our young men on the football field bodes well for their transition to their Coordinator roles on Coach Cerasuolo's staff."

While Nelson and Boni were graduate assistants, Springfield College football produced an overall record of 21-4 and a perfect mark of 14-0 in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) play. The Pride won a pair of conference championships and in 2024 led Springfield to a historic campaign that saw Springfield reach the NCAA Division III National Quarterfinals for the first time in over 20 seasons.

"Boni is a passionate football coach who genuinely cares about the growth and development of our players, both on and off the field," said Cerasuolo. "His energy, attention to detail, and commitment to building strong relationships will make an immediate impact in our linebacker room and special teams. He also brings a wealth of knowledge, not only of our system, but of the game as a whole, which will continue to elevate our defense and our program."

"Nelson has been a part of Springfield College football for many years and has developed into one of the great young minds in the game," said Cerasuolo. "We are excited to watch him continue to grow and bring his unique perspective to our offense. Sam's passion for football is evident every day, and he genuinely cares about the overall growth and development of our student-athletes and the program as a whole."

Nelson graduated from Springfield College with his bachelor's degree in elementary education and mathematics computer technology education in 2022 before returning to Alden Street for a two-year stint as a graduate assistant. During his undergraduate years, Springfield won 21 games, claimed 14 conference wins and the 2021 NEWMAC Championship title. Nelson was an offensive lineman for the Pride.

Boni earned his bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University in physical education and coaching in the spring of 2021. Boni brought experience from Thomas Heyward Academy and New Hampstead High School before he landed at Springfield College as a graduate assistant with the defensive line.

In addition to the hiring of both Boni and Nelson, Will Nipon has been promoted into the role of Defensive Coordinator for the Pride taking over for Nic Keene, who landed at the University of New Hampshire over the offseason. Springfield will also welcome a number of new graduate assistants to Alden Street who bring with them numerous experiences looking to help the Pride continue their dominance in the NEWMAC, in the region and on the national stage.

Springfield, the five-time defending NEWMAC Champions, will open the 2026 slate on Friday, September 4 at 7:00 pm against crosstown rival Western New England University.

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