Boston, MA, January 28, 2026

News Summary

Boston College’s athletic program has strengthened its football coaching staff by hiring Mike Hart as the new Running Backs Coach. This strategic addition is aimed at enhancing the team’s performance and supporting student-athlete development. With 14 years of college coaching experience, Hart’s previous roles include key positions at notable institutions such as the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan. His hiring demonstrates Boston College’s commitment to achieving competitive excellence in athletics while fostering a culture of discipline and leadership among its student-athletes.

Boston College Strengthens Football Staff with Mike Hart Hire

Boston, MA — Boston College’s athletic program recently made a strategic addition to its football coaching staff, aiming to bolster the team’s performance and enhance student-athlete development. The hiring of Mike Hart as the new Running Backs Coach underscores the university’s commitment to competitive excellence within the challenging landscape of Massachusetts higher education athletics, emphasizing discipline and leadership both on and off the field.

This significant move, announced by Head Football Coach Bill O’Brien, signals a proactive approach to refining the Eagles’ offensive capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Such appointments are crucial for universities in Boston, MA, as they seek to attract top talent and provide robust programs that contribute to both athletic achievement and the holistic growth of students.

A Proven Record on the Sidelines

The announcement of Mike Hart’s hiring was made on January 27, 2026, by Boston College Head Football Coach Bill O’Brien. Hart brings a wealth of experience, with 14 years of college coaching experience to his new role with the Eagles. His coaching journey has included stints at Western Michigan, Syracuse, Indiana, Michigan, and Eastern Michigan.

Prior to joining Boston College, Hart served as an Offensive Analyst with Eastern Michigan in 2025. During his time at Eastern Michigan as an Offensive Analyst, he played a critical role in the team’s offensive success, contributing to a running back achieving over 1,000 rushing yards and several other players recording 100-yard games. Furthermore, Eastern Michigan’s offense ranked first in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in fourth-down offense at 61.1 percent and second nationally in red zone offense at 94.6 percent.

Michigan Roots and National Championship Pedigree

Hart’s extensive coaching background includes a notable tenure at the University of Michigan, where he served as Running Backs Coach and was later elevated to Run-Game Coordinator. He was instrumental in Michigan’s rushing attack, which led to three consecutive Big Ten titles and culminated in a run to the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship. Under his guidance, Michigan’s rushing game ranked first in the Big Ten in 2021-22 and third in rushing yards per game in 2023.

During his time at Michigan, Hart coached players such as Blake Corum, who became the program’s first back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher since Denard Robinson. Corum also set a program record with 58 rushing touchdowns over four years, earning unanimous All-American honors and two Big Ten Running Back of the Year awards. Hart also served as Michigan’s Interim Head Coach for one game in 2023, securing a 35-7 victory over UNLV.

Impact on Boston College Football

The hiring of an experienced coach like Mike Hart is expected to have a significant impact on the BC football program. Coaching changes, particularly the addition of seasoned professionals, are known to influence roster development and overall team dynamics. A strong coaching staff is paramount in building and sustaining a successful college football program. With his history of developing successful running backs and contributing to high-performing offenses, Hart is poised to enhance the Eagles’ ground game and offensive strategy. His background as Michigan’s all-time leading rusher with 5,040 yards and 41 touchdowns provides a unique perspective for mentoring student-athletes.

Boston College’s football program, a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), consistently ranks among the nation’s best for academic achievement and graduation rates, demonstrating a commitment to both athletic and academic success. The football team’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) has been noted for its high standing. This emphasis on dual success aligns with the values of personal responsibility and discipline that experienced coaches often instill in their players.

Building Leadership and Community

University athletic programs, like those at Boston College, play a vital role in developing future leaders and fostering community engagement. The guidance provided by experienced coaches can transcend the playing field, teaching valuable life lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and dedication. These skills are essential not only for athletic success but also for students’ future careers and contributions to society. The institution’s commitment to competitive athletics is intertwined with its mission to cultivate well-rounded individuals who will make a positive impact in their communities. Boston College football’s long history, with over 700 wins and numerous bowl appearances, highlights its enduring legacy in collegiate sports.

The coaching staff’s ability to evaluate, develop, and mentor talent is a cornerstone of any athletic program’s long-term viability. Hart’s proven track record in player development and his role in major championship runs suggest a dedication to these principles, which can significantly benefit Boston College’s student-athletes.

Table: Mike Hart’s Coaching Journey Highlights

Looking Ahead for Boston College Athletics

The addition of Mike Hart to the football coaching staff reflects Boston College’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its athletic programs and providing student-athletes with top-tier mentorship. This appointment is part of a broader effort to ensure the Eagles remain competitive and continue to uphold the institution’s values of excellence and character development. As Boston College prepares for future seasons, the focus remains on cultivating an environment where academic rigor and athletic prowess go hand-in-hand, contributing positively to the overall Massachusetts higher education landscape.

Readers interested in learning more about the Boston College Eagles football program and other campus events are encouraged to visit the official university athletics website and stay updated on Boston MA college news for the latest developments.

FAQ Section

What is Mike Hart’s new role at Boston College?

Mike Hart has been hired as the Running Backs Coach for the Boston College football team.

When was Mike Hart’s hiring announced?

The hiring of Mike Hart was announced on January 27, 2026.

What is Mike Hart’s prior coaching experience?

Mike Hart brings 14 years of college coaching experience and previously served as an Offensive Analyst with Eastern Michigan in 2025. He has also coached at Western Michigan, Syracuse, Indiana, and Michigan.

What was Mike Hart’s role at the University of Michigan?

At the University of Michigan, Mike Hart served as the Running Backs Coach and was elevated to Run-Game Coordinator. He also served as interim head coach for one game in 2023.

What notable achievements did Mike Hart’s coached teams have?

Under Hart’s coaching, Michigan’s rushing attack contributed to three straight Big Ten titles and a run to the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship. He also coached Blake Corum, who became a two-time 1,000-yard rusher and set a program record with 58 rushing touchdowns.

What is Boston College’s commitment to student-athletes?

Boston College is committed to both athletic and academic success, with its football program consistently ranking highly for academic achievement and graduation rates. The university aims to develop future leaders through its athletic programs.

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