WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross and head football coach Bob Chesney have agreed to a new five-year contract extension, Director of Athletics Kit Hughes announced on Tuesday, Feb. 8. The new contract will keep Chesney as the head coach of the Crusader football program through the 2026 season.

"I could not be happier with this process and the opportunity to reaffirm the College's commitment to excellence for Holy Cross Athletics," Hughes said. "Under Coach Chesney's leadership, our Crusader student-athletes have achieved new heights in the classroom, community, and field of competition. I am excited to support him in our shared vision for the future and continue to build upon the tremendous foundation already in place. I want to thank President Rougeau and our leadership team for their support and trust throughout this process. This was a true team effort and the best is certainly yet to come for Holy Cross Football and Crusader Athletics." 

In four seasons as Holy Cross' head coach, Chesney has led the program to three Patriot League championships and three trips to the NCAA football championship subdivision playoffs. The Crusaders have also totaled 53 All-Patriot League selections over the last four years.

"Worcester has become home for my family, and we are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue our time in this great community and at Holy Cross," Chesney said. "The young men and coaches in our program have lived out the vision we saw four years ago. Through their commitment and hard work, they have had a chance to see that vision all the way through to multiple championships – and our ambitions are set even higher for the years to come.

"I want to say thank you to President Rougeau, Kit Hughes, senior associate director of athletics Nick Smith and the entire College administration and athletic department for their dedication to Holy Cross Football. There is a serious commitment to the program to continue upon the positive momentum we've built, and that's what I'm most excited about: All of us working together with an unwavering dedication to our College and to one another. I could not be more proud to continue my time at Holy Cross for another five years."

During the 2021 campaign, Chesney led the Crusaders to their third consecutive Patriot League title and FCS playoff berth, with Holy Cross winning its first FCS playoff game in program history. Holy Cross had a 10-3 record and went undefeated (6-0) in conference play, finishing the year ranked 19th in the nation by Stats Perform. The Crusaders also defeated a football bowl subdivision opponent for the first time since 2002 with a season-opening victory over Connecticut on Sept. 4. Chesney was named the Patriot League Coach of the Year, while earning New England Coach of the Year honors from the New England Football Writers and the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston. In addition, he was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented to the national coach of the year.

Previously, in the spring of 2021, Holy Cross earned the fourth NCAA FCS berth in program history. With the season postponed and shortened due to COVID-19, the Crusaders went 2-0 in league play before defeating Bucknell 33-10 in the first-ever Patriot League football championship game. The Crusaders finished the season ranked 25th nationally in FCS, the team's first national ranking since 2017.

In 2019, Chesney led Holy Cross to the school's first Patriot League championship in 10 years, and just the third NCAA FCS berth in program history. The Crusaders finished the year with an overall record of 7-6, while posting a 5-1 mark in conference action. Following the season, Chesney was named the Patriot League Coach of the Year, and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award as the national coach of the year.

During his first year with the Crusaders in 2018, Chesney guided his team to a second place finish in the Patriot League with a 4-2 mark in conference games, while going 5-6 overall. Holy Cross set school single-season records with seven blocked kicks, six blocked punts and four blocked punts returned for touchdowns, in addition to posting the two largest comeback victories in school history.

Chesney's career record stands at 92-41, including five years at Assumption (44-16 / 2013-2017) and three seasons at Salve Regina (23-9 / 2010-2012).