Jason Lebeau ’10 Selected to AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Western New England University head football coach Jason Lebeau '10 has been selected to participate in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, which will be held on Sunday, January 12 at the AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
The AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute is a prestigious program aimed at identifying and developing premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession. Selected participants are invited to attend the one-day institute that features a curriculum of interactive lectures focused on topics specifically tailored to emphasize leadership in the coaching profession, ethics, influential responsibilities, career progression, and family balance.
"I am truly honored and humbled to be selected by the American Football Coaches Association for the 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute," said Lebeau. "I am excited for such an amazing opportunity to learn and grow alongside some of the best coaches in all of college football."
Lebeau completed his second season as head coach at his alma mater in 2019, leading the Golden Bears to their third consecutive Commonwealth Coast Football title and fifth straight conference championship overall. Western New England posted a 9-2 record (7-0 CCC) last fall and earned the right to host an NCAA Tournament contest for just the second time in program history.
Lebeau, who was named the CCC Coach of the Year for the first time in his career this season, has posted a 17-5 (.773) record over his first two years as head coach.
Prior to taking over as head coach, Lebeau served as an assistant on Keith Emery's staff for eight seasons, including six as offensive coordinator. He was named the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston Division III Assistant Coach of the Year in 2016.
During his playing career, Lebeau was a three-year starter on the Western New England offensive line, earning team MVP honors as a senior in 2010. He was a three-time Academic All-Conference selection and 2009 All-NEFC Boyd Division first team honoree.
A native of Belchertown, Mass., Lebeau earned his bachelor's degree in sport management before receiving his MBA from Western New England in 2016.
Members of the AFCA 2020 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute receive a stipend to assist with expenses incurred while attending the AFCA Convention, provided by the NCAA Leadership Development and the American Football Coaches Foundation. They will be published in the bi-monthly AFCA Magazine, AFCA Insider weekly email blast, and/or have their articles and videos added to the AFCA Educational Library. Additionally, participants will be placed on the AFCA Foundation Committee and become a part of a prestigious network of rising coaches in the profession along with many other great benefits.
This year's AFCA 35 Under 35 class was chosen from a field of hundreds of applicants. Applicants were required to submit a resume, five references, and a 1,600-word article or five-minute live instructional video on an Offensive, Defensive, Special Teams, or position-specific topic of the applicant's choosing back in the summer.
