UDM athletic director Keri Gaither announced today the hiring of Nick Deren as the Detroit(m) Titans’ head men’s soccer coach, officially removing the interim title he has carried since early October.

A member of the Titans during his college playing days, Deren had served as interim head coach at his alma mater since Oct. 5, when he was elevated from his assistant’s role following the resignation of Morris Lupenec. Deren is just the third head coach in the history of a program that began in 1987.

“I’m excited that Nick Deren is formally taking over the Titan men’s soccer program," Gaither said. “Much careful thought and consideration went into the decision to hire Nick. His affiliation with the Titan program, as player, graduate, and assistant coach – in addition to his knowledge of the game, leadership, and experience – made him the perfect fit for the Titan program at this time. Nick is very competitive and knows what it takes to win, and it's always special when an alumnus is your coach. The team responded to him positively when he took over midway through the season. I’m confident that he'll take this program to the next level.”

The Titans picked up their game and went 4-4-0 after Deren began guiding the team at mid-season. Before ascending to the head of the bench, he had already spent five-plus seasons as an assistant coach at UDM. He is well-prepared for his new position, having already been totally involved in match preparation, running training sessions, conditioning and recruiting, as well as scheduling and fundraising.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead the Titan men’s soccer program back to the top of the Horizon League,” Deren said. “I feel that the support shown by the University for the men’s soccer program will expedite our climb back to prominence in the Horizon League and national recognition.”

Deren came to the University as a transfer from nearby Oakland, where he played two varsity seasons (1995-96) before closing out his collegiate career as a Titan midfielder. He tallied seven career goals while also dishing out five assists at UDM, playing the 1997 and ’99 seasons while redshirting during the 1998 campaign.

Following his career at Detroit, Deren played for the PDL’s Detroit Dynamite, as well as the Michigan Madness.

Deren is no stranger to the local soccer scene, as he coaches for the Michigan Rush and also worked with both the Troy and Vardar Soccer Clubs. In addition, Deren has served as a state team coach for the Michigan Olympic Development program for the past four years.

Deren graduated from UDM in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in history. He holds a USSF "B" License, as well as an Advanced National Diploma from the NSCAA. He and his wife Jeanne, a former UDM track and field student-athlete and assistant coach, reside in Northville. They have two daughters, Evelyn and Amelia.