Nick Derba, Maine Black Bears

Nick Derba was named head coach of the University of Maine Black Bears baseball team by UMaine Director of Athletics Karlton Creech on June 23, 2017.  Derba, who assumed the role as interim head coach December 17, 2016, becomes the 25th head coach of the University of Maine baseball team, which began in 1881.

“We’re excited to announce Nick Derba as head baseball coach,” Creech said. “Nick proved himself this season as interim head coach and in the national search process that began after the season ended and attracted a large group of highly qualified candidates. We are confident in Nick’s ability to recruit and coach high-caliber student-athletes who will be champions in the classroom, on the field and in the community. Thank you to our search committee and our campus partners who helped conduct a thorough and efficient search.”

Derba said he was honored and excited to be named the head coach of the UMaine baseball program that is steeped in history.

“The coaching staff and the 2017-18 Black Bears are extremely excited to get this new era of baseball underway,” Derba said. “The young men that we have the privilege of coaching will continue to represent this University to the highest degree. We will continue to push forward in the America East academically and athletically, with the overarching goal of getting to a regional appearance and beyond. “I would like to personally thank President Susan Hunter and Karlton Creech for their appointment of me to this role. A very special thank you to Jack Cosgrove, Lynn Coutts and Mike Coutts for their support over the last six months. I am also very fortunate to have such a supportive wife and would like to thank her for her continued support.”

Derba recently completed his fourth season on the UMaine coaching staff, including the 2016-17 season as interim head coach when he guided UMaine to its highest win total in four years (25). In America East Championship play, Derba led the Black Bears to four straight wins, earning a berth in the title game. The impressive stretch run marked the first time since 2013 that UMaine appeared in the league championship. Derba also mentored a pair of all-conference selections and two America East all-rookie team members.

“I’m excited for Nick Derba, our baseball team and our athletic department,” said Jack Cosgrove, senior associate director of athletics who chaired the national search committee.