Dean Nichols
Dean Nichols

Bio

Dean Nichols is entering his 19th year at the helm of the Framingham State men's soccer program. During his tenure, Nichols has turned the Framingham State University men's soccer team into one of the most competitive programs in New England. 

Under Coach Nichols the Rams have won four of MASCAC Regular Season Championships, three MASCAC Tournament Championship and made five post season appearances including three trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament (2008, 2011 & 2019) and a pair of bids to the ECAC Championship tournaments, most recently in 2010.

The 2019 squad posted a 6-0-1 record in MASCAC play earning the regular season title and top seed in the MASCAC Tournament. The Rams defeated Salem State 1-0 in the MASCAC Championship game to earn their fourth trip to the NCAA Div. III Tournament where they fell to nationally ranked Messiah. 

In 2011, the Rams captured the MASCAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships shutting out Salem State in the finals of the MASCAC Tournament as they compliled a 5-1-1 conference mark.  The 2011 Rams roster featured both the MASCAC Men's Soccer Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

In 2008 Nichols led the Rams to their second consecutive MASCAC Regular Season title, as the Rams finished 6-0-1 in the conference, and their first MASCAC Post Season Tournament Championship.  The Rams made the program's second appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament where they battled Middlebury College to a 0-0 double overtime tie but were eliminated on penalty kicks.  The Rams finished the 2008 season 16-3-2 and set new FSU records for wins in a season, winning percentage, and shutouts in a season.

In 2007 Nichols guided the Rams to the MASCAC Regular Season Championship and at the time a school record 14 wins, surpassing the 2006 Rams who had 11 victories. The Rams were selected the second seed in the ECAC New England Division III Men's Soccer Championship where they advanced to the semifinals.  Under Coach Nichols in 2004, the Rams were tied for fifth on the NCAA's list of the most improved teams in Division III.  In 2004 the Rams also qualified for the MASCAC Tournament for the first time in school history. 

Nichols is a graduate of Fitchburg State College where he was an outstanding soccer player for the Falcons.