What Is 1999 Rhode Island Rams football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1999 Rhode Island Rams football team represented the University of Rhode Island in the NCAA Division I-AA football season. They finished with a 5–6 overall record under head coach Jim Fleming, competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Key Facts

The 1999 Rhode Island Rams had a 5–6 overall record
They competed in the Atlantic 10 Conference during the 1999 season
Head coach Jim Fleming led the team in his first season
The Rams played their home games at Meade Stadium in Kingston, RI
They scored 243 total points, averaging 22.1 points per game

Overview

The 1999 Rhode Island Rams football team represented the University of Rhode Island during the 1999 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference, the team was led by first-year head coach Jim Fleming, who took over the program following the departure of his predecessor.

The Rams struggled to achieve a winning record that season, finishing with a 5–6 overall mark and a 4–4 conference record. Despite not qualifying for the postseason, the team showed signs of improvement under new leadership and laid groundwork for future seasons.

Overall record of 5–6: The Rams won five games and lost six during the 1999 season, failing to reach a winning record but showing competitiveness in conference play.
Atlantic 10 Conference member: As part of the NCAA Division I-AA, the Rams competed against regional rivals including Maine, UMass, and Villanova in a tough conference lineup.
Jim Fleming as head coach: The 1999 season marked Fleming’s first year as head coach, beginning a tenure that would eventually span over two decades at URI.
Home games at Meade Stadium: Located in Kingston, Rhode Island, Meade Stadium hosted all home games and has been the Rams’ home field since 1928.
Offensive output of 243 points: The team averaged 22.1 points per game, ranking in the middle of the conference in scoring but showing flashes of offensive potential.

Season Performance

The 1999 campaign was a transitional year for the Rams, as new coaching strategies were implemented and younger players gained experience. The team’s performance reflected both growing pains and moments of promise, particularly in close conference matchups.

September 4, 1999 opener: The Rams began the season with a loss to Liberty University, falling 24–20 in a tightly contested non-conference game.
First win against Sacred Heart: Rhode Island secured its first victory on September 11 with a 31–14 win, showcasing improved defensive execution and balanced offensive play.
October 16 victory over Hofstra: A 24–17 win highlighted the team’s ability to win close games, with key contributions from the secondary and special teams.
Loss to eventual conference champion UMass: The Rams fell 34–20 to Massachusetts, who went on to win the Atlantic 10 title and reach the I-AA playoffs.
Season finale against New Hampshire: The Rams lost 28–21 in their final game, ending the season on a three-game losing streak despite competitive efforts.
Defensive struggles: The team allowed an average of 24.8 points per game, indicating challenges in containing high-powered offenses within the conference.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1999 Rams to other seasons in program history reveals trends in performance, coaching impact, and conference competitiveness.

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Key Outcome
1999	5–6	4–4	Jim Fleming	First season under new head coach
1996	6–5	5–3	Peter F. Carmichael	Best record since 1985
2007	5–6	4–4	Jim Fleming	Mid-pack Atlantic 10 finish
2010	6–5	4–4	Jim Fleming	First winning season in years
2012	4–7	2–6	Jim Fleming	Decline before turnaround

The 1999 season was not an outlier in terms of win-loss record, as URI frequently hovered around .500 during this era. However, it marked the beginning of a long-term coaching era under Fleming, whose leadership would eventually stabilize the program over the next decade.

Why It Matters

While not a standout season in terms of wins, the 1999 campaign holds significance in the broader context of Rhode Island football history. It represented a turning point with new leadership and set the stage for future development.

Launch of Jim Fleming’s tenure: His 23-year run as head coach began in 1999, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in FCS football by the time of his retirement.
Foundation for future competitiveness: The experience gained by players in 1999 contributed to more successful seasons later in the 2000s.
Atlantic 10 Conference context: The Rams competed in a strong I-AA conference that produced national contenders, enhancing the value of their performance.
Player development focus: The season emphasized rebuilding through younger talent, a strategy that paid dividends in subsequent years.
Meade Stadium tradition: Continued use of the historic venue reinforced community ties and program identity.
Transition era in college football: The late 1990s saw shifts in NCAA structure and scholarship distribution, affecting mid-major programs like URI.

The 1999 Rhode Island Rams football team may not be remembered for championships or records, but it played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the program under enduring leadership and evolving conference dynamics.