WATERVILLE – Longtime Colby College assistant football coach Edward Mestieri has been promoted to head coach, replacing retired coach Tom Austin.

Mestieri, who has been the team’s offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and recruiting coordinator in his 15 years with the White Mules, is a Springfield College graduate from Wareham, Mass.

“Ed is very smart, a great teacher and recruiter, and clearly dedicated to helping our players succeed,” said Colby president William Adams in a press release. “He also brings with him a sense of continuity for current players and deep understanding of Colby.”

Before coming to Colby, Mestieri was offensive coordinator and line coach for the football team and women’s outdoor track and field coach at Norwich University in Vermont.

Colby has compiled a 62-57-1 record and won or shared 11 Colby-Bates-Bowdoin (CBB) titles during Mestieri’s tenure.