– Widener University Athletics Director of Athleticsannounced the hiring ofas the new head coach of the football program."We are thrilled to be able to hireto be the newest head coach of Widener football," said Shafer. "Hiring a coach of his work ethic and winning background at multiple stops is a huge win for the Pride as we continue to build towards conference and national contention."Barainyak spent the past two years as an assistant coach with the WU, most recently serving as the offensive coordinator in 2018. Last season, the Blue and Gold averaged 29.9 points per game, better than a touchdown improvement from the previous year. In 2017, Barainyak was Widener's offensive line coach and led a group that allowed the fewest quarterback sacks in five seasons."I am humbled and honored to be named the head football coach at Widener University," said Barainyak. "I would like to thank President Wollman, Vice President Baker,, and the entire search committee. I need to offer special thanks to my wife and family for their support during the interview process as well as all the coaches I have played and worked for to get to this point. This is a true blessing and, along with our coaching staff, we will work tirelessly to restore the tradition and standards set forth by our predecessors that have made Widener football one of the elite programs in Division III football history."Prior to his arrival in Chester, Barainyak spent two seasons on the coaching staff at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor as the tight ends and assistant offensive line coach, winning a national championship in 2016 and advancing to the national quarterfinals in 2015. While with the Cru, he was responsible for the development of two All-Americans, two All-South Region honorees, and six All-American Southwest Conference selections.Academics have also been a large part of Barainyak's teams. Since he has been at Widener, the Pride has seen nine student-athletes named Academic All-MAC, tied for the most of any team in the Middle Atlantic Conference. Additionally, two received the MAC Football Senior Scholar-Athlete Award and two have been named Academic All-Americans. With Mary-Hardin Baylor, he coached the Division III football recipient of the Elite 90 Award, given to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA that is competing at the site of each of the NCAA's 90 championships.Barainyak has also worked at Villanova where he was the video coordinator and special teams graduate assistant for a Wildcats team that won the Colonial Athletic Association championship and advanced to the NCAA FCS postseason. He began his career at Delaware Valley University as the tight ends and assistant offensive line coach, winning multiple conference titles with the Aggies.A native of Chalfont, Pa., Barainyak lives in North Wales with his wife, Erin and son Tripp."Michael was such a diligent worker. Helping us with our offensive line while finishing up his Master's Degree. I am beyond thrilled for him and for his family to have this opportunity. Michael is a really good young football coach and I think he will do a great job for Widener University."Pete Fredenburg – Head Football Coach, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor"Mike has a great work ethic. He will bring great enthusiasm and excitement to the Widener program!"Andy Talley – Former Head Football Coach, Villanova University"Mike has a great passion for our game and will work tirelessly in creating a culture that will represent Widener both on and off the field."Jim Clements – Head Football Coach, Kutztown University