New England College is joining the Commonwealth Coast Conference as an associate member in the sport of football beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, it was announced by Commissioner Patrick Colbert on Wednesday.

The conference's football sponsorship includes CCC full members Curry, Endicott, Nichols, University of New England and Western New England. NEC joins
Maine Maritime Academy (also joining in 2025-26) and Husson as CCC associate members for football.

Earlier this year, Maine Maritime announced that it was bringing football back after a short absence, while New England College announced it was adding football. The addition of two programs gives the CCC some buffer in case the standard for a football automatic bid gets raised from its current six teams, as well as giving conference members a slate of seven conference games.

“Partnering with a tradition-rich campus like New England College is an exciting opportunity for fans, members and, most importantly, student-athletes as we continue to build our football brand and strategically position ourselves within the football landscape,” Colbert said. “The addition of an eighth institution allows our conference to create a competitive and robust conference schedule which also allows our football programs the opportunity to strategically schedule quality non-conference opponents.”

NEC president Wayne F. Lesperance, Jr. announced the return of football to the campus in June 2023, after a 50-year hiatus. The Pilgrims will play with a condensed season in the fall of 2024, followed by a full season of play in the fall of 2025.

“We are thrilled to be joining the Commonwealth Coast Conference as an associate member in football,” NEC athletic director Dave DeCew said. “First and foremost, we want to thank Commissioner Colbert and the Board of Directors for their support. NEC’s alignment with strong academic institutions has tremendous value, and we look forward to the competitive landscape of CCC football. We know it will be a great challenge for us but it is an opportunity that we are investing in and excited to take on.”

New England College hired Kevin Kelly as head coach in August.