AKRON, OH. – The University of Akron is looking for a new head football coach.
Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcell on Saturday announced a national search for a new coach will begin following the release of J.D. Brookhart.
“Late last night, I asked for and received support from (University President) Dr. Luis Proenza in making a change in the leadership for the football program,” Wistrcill said in a statement released Saturday. “Earlier today I spoke with Coach Brookhart and informed him of my decision to take the football program in a new direction.
“These types of decisions are never easy because of the people involved. Coach Brookhart and his staff have accomplished things never before done at Akron. We are thankful to Coach Brookhart for his dedicated service, his relationships with the student-athletes and for his passion while here at the university.”
Brookhart spent six seasons at the Akron helm and guided the Zips to a 30-42 overall record (.417). Akron was 22-26 (.458) against MAC competition during that time. He was named MAC Coach of the Year in 2004 as the Zips won a program-best six league games.
The Zips best season under Brookhart was 2005, when UA finished 7-6 overall and 5-3 in MAC play. Akron captured the MAC East title that year and also won the program’s only MAC championship by defeating Northern Illinois in the championship game. That led to Akron’s first bowl berth as a Division I program.
The most Akron wins since that time were in 2006 and 2008 (five wins). The Zips were 3-5 in the MAC each year between 2006 and 2008.
Akron finished 3-9 overall and 2-6 in the MAC this past season. One of the victories was a 28-20 win in the rivalry game against Kent State. The Zips, who opened new InfoCision Stadium with a 41-0 win over Morgan State, also finished the campaign on a winning note as they edged Eastern Michigan 28-21 Friday.
“Many factors played into this decision and certainly our win-loss record this year was one of them. Also, the program now has four straight below .500 records in Mid-American Conference play.” Wistrcell said. “That is not reflective of the level of commitment the university has made to this program. It is time for a new vision and new voice.”
Wistrcell indicated the school will move swiftly to fill the head coach vacancy and bring in a new staff.
“Time is of the essence in bringing in a new leader. We will move quickly and efficiently to deliver the best coach possible for the University of Akron and our student-athletes,” Wistrcell said.
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