Newark,
DE—The
University of Delaware announced today that head football coach
K.C. Keeler has
been relieved of his duties and the University will begin a
nationwide search
for a successor.
"We appreciate the efforts and accomplishments
of Coach
Keeler in leading the Blue Hens football program," UD Director of
Athletics and
Recreation Services Eric Ziady said.
"The 86 wins and the 2003 National Championship will
forever be etched
in the hearts and minds of the Blue Hen faithful, and I thank
Coach for his
commitment to his alma mater.
"However, at this important time in UD
Athletics, and after
thorough evaluation over the past two months, I believe a change
of direction
is needed in Delaware football. We
must
reinvigorate our program and reenergize our supporters as we lay
the foundation
for future success."
Keeler, a Blue Hens linebacker from 1978-80,
was head coach
at NCAA Division III Rowan University for nine seasons before
being named UD
head coach in 2002, replacing Harold R. "Tubby" Raymond, who
retired after 36
seasons at the helm.
In 11 seasons at UD, Keeler posted a record of
86-52 with an
NCAA Division I-AA national championship in 2003. The Blue Hens
were runners-up
in two additional national championship appearances in 2007 and
2010.
However, the Blue Hens failed to advance to the
post-season
four of the last five seasons and posted a combined record of just
12-10 over
the past two campaigns, missing out on an NCAA Football
Championship
Subdivision Tournament berth both years. Delaware lost its final
four games of
the recently completed 2012 season, its longest losing streak
since the 1967
season.
"On behalf of the University, I want to thank
Coach Keeler
for his service to our institution and we wish him the best in his
future endeavors,"
UD President Patrick Harker said. "I fully support Eric's [Ziady]
decision and
I am confident that we will attract an outstanding coach to
continue to write
the Delaware football legacy.
