Saj Thakkar Named Head Football Coach at Bentley

Following a nationwide search, Falcons offensive coordinator Saj Thakkar has been named head football coach at Bentley University, the seventh to hold the title in university history.  

Thakkar, whose resume includes five years on the staff of Harvard University Head Football Coach Tim Murphy, was hired as Bentley’s offensive coordinator earlier this spring and was elevated to interim head coach in April. 

“I couldn’t be more excited to be the next head football coach at Bentley,” said Thakkar. “Bentley is truly a special place with special people. My family and I look forward to continuing to build relationships at Bentley and around Waltham. 

“I would like to thank Vice President for Student Affairs Andrew Shepardson, Vaughn Williams and the entire search committee for this tremendous opportunity,” continued Thakkar. “I also would like to thank my family who has been extremely supportive throughout my entire career.” 

“I’m excited that Coach Thakkar will be the leader of our football program,” said Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams. “He has succeeded as an assistant coach at both the Division I and III levels and has done an excellent job overseeing our program as the interim head coach.” 

Thakkar takes over a Bentley program that has posted a 21-5 record since midway through the 2019 season, participated in the 2021 NCAA Division II playoffs and was the 2019 Northeast-10 champion. Bentley University has a proud tradition of academic success rates, with student-athletes earning the nation’s highest graduation rate for six straight years. 

“The connection between the staff, players, campus community and alumni will be what sets us apart from our competitors,” said Thakkar. “We will strive to create the model program in all of Division II football.” 

Thakkar’s experience includes five seasons as the running backs coach at Harvard and three years at SUNY Maritime as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. Last year, he worked with Atlanta Falcons’ assistant coach T.J. Yates at the NFL Bill Walsh Fellowship in Atlanta. Thakkar also coached the running backs and special teams at his alma mater, Fitchburg State University, where he earned both his MBA and Bachelor of Science degree and was a three-time academic all-conference selection as a wide receiver and quarterback.  

A native of Wakefield, Thakkar resides in Woburn with his wife and two children. His first game as head coach at Bentley will be the September 2 home game against West Chester University. 

“With the support of our administration and passionate alumni, we look forward to reaching new heights as a program in the changing landscape of college football,” said Thakkar. “Our team will make our supporters extremely proud to wear Bentley blue.”