We are excited to introduce you to the Bryant University Football Program. This slideshow will take you behind the scenes of our nationally ranked education, the elite athletic facilities our athletes train in and information on the incredible state and area we live in here in Rhode Island and New England. #ExpectToWin
BRYANT UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL
The Bulldogs compete in the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the CAA Conference. The Bryant University Football program is led by our head coach Chris Merritt.
The 2024 fall season will be Merritt's seventh as the head coach of the Black and Gold. In 6 seasons, Merritt has produced 39 All-Conference selections, four All-Americans, one Big South Special Teams Player of the Year, one Big South-OVC Offensive Player of the Year, one NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year and one NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year. Bryant's defense has seen a resurgence in Merritt's five seasons, ranking first nationally in total defense, fourth nationally in scoring defense and second in passing defense in the spring of 2021, while finishing in the top 30 of scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense in the fall of 2021. Bryant has also set records offensively, breaking the school record for total offense in 2022 and posting over 30 points per game in 2021, 33 points per game in 2022 and 31.2 points per game in 2023. In both 2021 and 2022 the Bryant University Offense finished first in the NEC and BigSouth conferences in points scored. In 2022 and 2023 the Bryant Offense finished in the top 25 in FCS Football in scoring and in 2024 the Bryant Offense finished 20th in division one in passing.
In 2022 the Defense for the Bulldogs finished with 7.4 TFLs/Game (13th Nationally) and 12 Total INTs (31st Nationally). In 2021 the Bulldogs finished with a 31.1% 3rd Down Percentage (13th Nationally), allowed 119.3 YDS/Game Rushing (22nd Nationally), and allowed only 22.1 Points/Game (Scoring Defense) (26th Nationally) and 337.9 Total Yards/Game (31st Nationally).
The Bryant University Football Team has produced 39All-Conference selections, four All-Americans, one Big South Special Teams Player of the Year, one Big South- OVC Offensive Player of the Year, one NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year and one NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year during Coach Merritt's time as the Bulldogs head coach.
BEIRNE STADIUM
The centerpiece of Bryant University's outstanding athletic facilities, Beirne Stadium was completed in 1999 to coincide with the varsity debut of Bryant football. Formally named Bulldog Stadium, the stadium was renamed Beirne Stadium on September 24, 2016. With a seating capacity of 4,400, Beirne Stadium utilizes a design that is usually reserved for larger stadiums, ensuring excellent sight lines and maximum comfort for spectators.
Gameday at Bryant University is a whole community event. From our alumni, student body, player families and the local Smithfield, RI community you are welcomed to an incredible gameday atmosphere.
BULLDOG STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING CENTER
Bryant University's 10,000-square-foot Bulldog Strength & Conditioning Center opened August 1, 2015 to serve more than 600 student-athletes across 25 Division I sports. This facility allows Bulldogs to train with better equipment in less time, resulting in stronger, faster athletes, significantly fewer injuries and better on-field performances.
Inside the Bulldog Strength & Conditioning Center sits 55 yards of turf, utilized by teams and individuals to improve strength, quickness and explosion.
The glass-enclosed structure sits just beyond the end zone of Beirne Stadium and features a field-level outdoor viewing terrace.
The facility also houses cardio stations, as well as plate-loaded and cable machines for a variety of training options and a protein/post lift meal prep area.
The facility features 24 weight platforms, allowing the Strength & Conditioning staff to move teams through workouts as a unit.
Coach Beach our head Strength and Conditioning coach joins the Bulldogs from Boston College where he was a football strength and conditioning assistant. He has spent 17 seasons working at the Division I (FBS and FCS) and Division III levels and has spent 13 years as a head strength and conditioning coach.
A former football player for James Madison University, Beach started on the defensive line and was part of the 2004 National Championship team. Beach completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and went on to get his masters in Athletic Administration.
Beach began his coaching career at JMU working with football, softball, women's lacrosse, field hockey and golf.
Beach left JMU in June of 2008 to join the staff at Hofstra University. Serving as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, he oversaw Hofstra's 15 sports while working closely with football, men's and women's lacrosse.
In January 2010, Beach was hired by Wagner College as their Director of Strength and Conditioning to oversee the Seahawks' 17 athletic programs, working directly with their football team. In 2012, Wagner took home their first NEC Championship and added the NEC's first FCS playoff win. Beach also served as the NFL Pro liaison where he helped send several Seahawks to NFL rookie camps.
Following Wagner, Beach joined the staff at Bridgewater College (Va.) in April 2014. He served as the Director of Strength and Conditioning, overseeing the programming for 23 sports and the needs of the 600+ student-athletes. During his tenure, Bridgewater added six individual National Championships and multiple conference championships.
In 2019, he was named a Master Strength & Conditioning Coach (MSCC) by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa). This honor is the highest given in the strength & conditioning coaching profession.
CONATY INDOOR ATHLETIC CENTER
Within the Conaty Indoor Athletic Center’s 80,000 square feet is a state-of-the-art turf field with a full 120 yards of turf. Bryant is one of New England’s only DI school offering such exceptional indoor facilities. This best-in-class facility enables members of the Bulldog football to prepare for each season without delay, even during the harshest weather.
The Indoor Athletic Center is thirty-eight-feet tall at its peak, with a 120-yard football field (including end zones), viewing platforms overlooking the field.
BRYANT UNIVERSITY
A nationally ranked academic university in the heart of New England, Bryant University's combination of academics, top ranked return on investment and elite student outcomes separate us from other schools.
With an average of 13 students to 1 teacher, as a student athlete you will receive the best learning as a Division 1 Athlete.
Our alumni is what makes our school elite, from the support they give to the school and the outcomes they help our athletes achieve.