What Is 2011 New Hampshire Wildcats football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 New Hampshire Wildcats football team represented the University of New Hampshire in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 6–5 overall record and 4–4 in the Colonial Athletic Association under head coach Ricky Santos.

Key Facts

The 2011 New Hampshire Wildcats football team had a 6–5 overall record
They played in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) with a 4–4 conference record
Head coach Ricky Santos was in his first full season leading the team
The Wildcats played home games at Cowell Stadium in Durham, New Hampshire
They did not qualify for the FCS playoffs in 2011

Overview

The 2011 New Hampshire Wildcats football team represented the University of New Hampshire during the 2011 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Ricky Santos, who was in his first full season after taking over in 2010.

The Wildcats played their home games at Cowell Stadium in Durham, New Hampshire, a venue with a capacity of approximately 11,000. Despite a competitive schedule, the team did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, finishing with a losing record overall and in conference play.

Record: The team finished the season with a 6–5 overall record and a 4–4 mark in CAA play, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
Head Coach:Ricky Santos, a former UNH quarterback, was in his first full season as head coach after being promoted following Sean McDonnell’s health-related leave.
Home Stadium: The Wildcats played at Cowell Stadium, which has undergone multiple renovations and serves as the primary football and track facility for UNH.
Conference: As members of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the Wildcats faced strong competition from teams like Delaware, Richmond, and Villanova.
Postseason: The team did not qualify for the FCS playoffs in 2011, ending a streak of seven consecutive playoff appearances from 2004 to 2010.

How It Works

The structure of NCAA Division I FCS football involves a combination of regular-season competition and a 24-team playoff to determine the national champion. Teams are evaluated based on performance, strength of schedule, and conference results.

Division I FCS: The Football Championship Subdivision is the second tier of NCAA Division I football, where teams compete in a playoff format instead of a bowl system.
Regular Season: The 2011 season consisted of 11 regular-season games, with the Wildcats playing a mix of conference and non-conference opponents.
CAA Structure: The Colonial Athletic Association includes 10–12 teams, and the top finishers receive automatic or at-large bids to the FCS playoffs.
Playoff Eligibility: To qualify, teams must have a winning record and strong conference performance; the Wildcats’ 6–5 record fell short of selection.
Player Eligibility: Student-athletes must maintain academic standing and NCAA eligibility, with five years to play four seasons of competition.
Recruiting: UNH recruits primarily from the Northeast, focusing on high school athletes in New England and New York with strong academic and athletic potential.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2011 season compares to recent years in terms of performance and structure:

Season	Overall Record	CAA Record	Playoff Result	Head Coach
2011	6–5	4–4	Did not qualify	Ricky Santos
2010	8–5	6–2	First Round	Sean McDonnell / Ricky Santos
2009	9–5	6–2	Finalist	Sean McDonnell
2008	12–3	7–1	Semifinals	Sean McDonnell
2007	11–3	7–1	Quarterfinals	Sean McDonnell

The 2011 season marked a transitional year for the program, following the departure of long-time coach Sean McDonnell. While previous years saw deep playoff runs, the 2011 team struggled to maintain consistency, particularly on defense and in close conference games.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season is significant as a turning point in the Wildcats' football program, reflecting the challenges of coaching transitions and competitive balance in the FCS.

Coaching Change: Ricky Santos’ promotion marked a shift from longtime coach Sean McDonnell, who had led the team to multiple playoff appearances.
Program Stability: The end of the playoff streak raised questions about recruiting, player development, and strategic direction under new leadership.
Regional Impact: UNH football is a major source of pride in New Hampshire, and performance affects student enrollment and alumni engagement.
Player Development: The season provided experience for young players who would later contribute to rebuilding the team’s competitiveness.
CAA Competition: The conference remained one of the toughest in FCS, making every win crucial for postseason consideration.
Historical Context: The 2011 season is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college sports, even for traditionally strong programs.

While not a standout year, 2011 laid the groundwork for future adjustments and growth within the UNH football program, highlighting the importance of sustained investment and leadership.