PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Plymouth State University has promoted Devin Zeman to co-head coach of the Panthers’ football program as announced by Director of Athletics Kim Bownes and head coach Paul Castonia on Tuesday.

Zeman has been associated with the program for the last 17 years and has filled the role of associate head coach since 2009.

“Devin has earned the title of co-head coach of Plymouth State football,” said Bownes. “Coach Castonia and Devin have been together through good times and tough times and have developed so many great human beings over the years. Devin works nonstop all year long to bring pride to the University and continue the tradition of a great program. I am excited about this opportunity for Devin.”

“Devin has been an essential part of Plymouth State football for almost two decades now,” added Castonia, who is entering his 18th season at the helm. “I am happy that he is being recognized for his tireless work and many contributions to the program. We have worked together as a team for many years and he has been indispensable to our success.”

Zeman was a defensive back for the Panthers from 2001-02 before joining the coaching staff in 2003 while completing his undergraduate degree. He spent time working with defensive backs, quarterbacks and special teams before his promotion to defensive coordinator in 2008, then associate head coach the following year.

“I want to thank Coach Castonia and Kim [Bownes] for this opportunity,” said Zeman. “Plymouth State football has been an important part of my life for so long. I have always enjoyed not only teaching our student-athletes about the game of football, but how to be better young men and I look forward to continuing that in the years to come.”

Zeman was named the Division II/III Assistant Coach of the Year by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston following the 2017 season when his defensive unit allowed just 9.8 points per game through the regular season, the fifth lowest mark in the country. PSU has finished first or second in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) in scoring defense each of the last four seasons, leading the league in 2017 and 2018, while surrendering just 0.1 points per game more than the league leaders in both 2016 and again last fall.

Plymouth State went 6-4 last season to finish above .500 for the fourth straight year, while the Panthers were an even 4-4 in MASCAC play.

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