10th FBS job opens as Conference USA coach announces resignation
By Keith Farner
Published:
After a high water mark of a 10-3 record in 2016 with an appearance in the Bahamas Bowl, Old Dominion football has fallen on hard times and that led to coach Bobby Wilder resigning on Monday.
That makes 10 openings now in FBS.
They are: Arkansas, Boston College, Florida State, Missouri, New Mexico, Old Dominion, Ole Miss, UNLV, USF and UTSA.
The Monarchs have gone 10-26 record the last three seasons, including three victories and a 1-11 mark this season. The only win came against FCS Norfolk State. ODU is 2-14 against C-USA in the last two years, 0-8 this season, and there were loads of empty seats in a new stadium, the Daily Press reported.
“I have resigned as head coach of the ODU football program as I feel it’s in the best interest for this program going forward,” Wilder said in a release by the school. “I have poured my heart and soul into this university and our football program, but I feel this is the best decision for Old Dominion University. I plan to be an asset throughout the transition for the University.”
Wilder helped ODU launch football, signed his first recruiting class in 2008 and fielded the school’s first team in 2009. He helped the Monarchs sell out their first 60 games.
Wilder tendered his resignation to Athletics Director Wood Selig and senior associate athletic director for football Bruce Stewart on Monday morning.
“This should in no way detract from or diminish the sacrifice and commitment that Coach Wilder has given ODU and our entire Hampton Roads community while leading our football program,” Selig said. “Coach Wilder has dedicated the last 13 years of his professional career in the pursuit of excellence for ODU football.
“I am extremely grateful to Bobby Wilder, our assistant coaches, our student athletes and our football support staff. Collectively they have given everything of themselves. They have represented ODU with class and dignity.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
