Sam Belkin rejoined the Sacred Heart football staff in August of 2023. A former intern with the program during his college years, Belkin currently serves as the program’s Director of Football Operations. In his current role, Belkin is responsible for all the logistical aspects of the program. He overseas team travel, meals, and schedules all recruiting activities alongside Recruiting Coordinator Pat Saporito.
Belkin most recently served as the Wide Receivers coach and assistant special teams coordinator with the Leipzig Kings of the European League of Football (ELF). While in Germany, Belkin coordinated the kick-off return team which included ELF All-Star and Special Teams player of the year Devan Burrell. The KOR unit, which played with XFL style rules, had a top 5 return average during the duration of the Kings’ season.
Prior to coaching overseas, Belkin spent one season as a defensive graduate assistant with his alma mater, UMass. While with the Minutemen, Belkin worked with the defensive line and was responsible for opponent scouting and managing the scout team offensive line.
Before joining UMass, Belkin spent three seasons as the Running Backs coach at Trinity College in Hartford. While with the Bantams, he coached Will Kirby to a second team All-NESCAC performance in 2021. Kirby led the NESCAC in all-purpose yards (1091), was second in the league in rushing yards (839) and touchdowns (14) and broke the school’s single season record for receptions by a running back (33). The 2021 Trinity offense averaged 32 points per game and finished with an 8-1 record. Belkin recruited NJ, CA, RI, ME, NH, and VT in his time with the program and brought in 16 players over his tenure; many of whom would go on to receive All-NESCAC recognition. He also served as the video coordinator for the program throughout his three-year tenure.
Belkin joined the Bantams after coaching the wide receivers at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven. He spent one season with the Owls, during which time he coached Julian Chung who concluded the year with a Northeast-10 All-Rookie Team selection. In his lone year assisting the offensive staff, the Owls recorded 26.2 points per game. Belkin also recruited CT, MA, and NH, helped run the team’s social media account, and served as the video coordinator.
Prior to his time at SCSU, Belkin spent one season as an intern on the offensive coaching staff at the University of Minnesota. While with the Gophers, he worked with the tight ends and quarterbacks.
Belkin received his bachelor’s degree in sport management from the University of Massachusetts in 2017 and earned a master’s degree in public policy from Trinity College in December of 2020. While a student, he spent three seasons as an assistant on the staff at Amherst College, working with the receiving corps. In his time at Amherst, the team had two undefeated seasons and won a pair of NESCAC championships. Belkin’s first job in football came as a seasonal intern at Sacred Heart for three summers during his college years.
Belkin is a Fairfield native and still resides in the area.
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