WORCESTER, Mass. — Holy Cross and head football coach Bob Chesney have agreed to a restructured contract, keeping the three-time Patriot League Coach of the Year in Worcester through January 31, 2028, Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes announced on Thursday, Jan. 26.
"Over the last several years, Crusader Football has had a transformative impact on our College and community," Hughes said. "The program's growth has run parallel to that of the city itself, and we are excited to continue to build upon the historic success, community engagement and school spirit enjoyed under Coach Chesney's leadership. He has stated many times that Holy Cross is a place where you can 'have it all,' and I truly believe that this renewed commitment speaks to the fact that there is no better place in the country to receive an elite education while pursuing and achieving excellence on the field."
Chesney, who previously signed a five-year extension in February 2022, guided the Crusaders to a historic campaign this past fall. The 2022 Crusaders (12-1) recorded the most single-season wins in program history and advanced to the NCAA FCS quarterfinals for the first time since 1983; their lone loss was a hard-fought playoff contest to top-seeded South Dakota State, the eventual national champions.
In five seasons as Holy Cross' head coach, Chesney has led the program to four Patriot League championships and four trips to the NCAA football championship subdivision playoffs. The Crusaders have also totaled 71 All-Patriot League selections over the last five seasons.
"As our team crossed through even more uncharted territory this past season, we were lifted by two things: our consistent belief in one another, and the unwavering, renewed passion for Holy Cross football among our alumni, fans, campus and Worcester community," Chesney said. "That further cemented for me that there is simply no better place in the world to play college football than right here at Holy Cross. We look forward to continuing to contend at the highest level and represent our College and city on the national stage.
"During our time in Worcester, the community has embraced Andrea, our family and I — in addition to our players and staff — on a personal level, even beyond football. We look forward to continuing to make them proud. Thank you to President Vincent Rougeau, Kit Hughes and senior associate director of athletics Nick Smith for their continued belief in our program's vision. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a devoted team, staff and community for many more groundbreaking years."
This season, the American Football Coaches Association named Chesney its 2022 FCS Region 1 Coach of the Year. Chesney was also selected as one of 16 finalists for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented to the FCS national coach of the year. In addition, the New England Football Writers named Chesney the New England Coach of the Year for the University division and the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston selected Chesney as its Head Coach of the Year.
Also named the 2022 Patriot League Coach of the Year, Chesney helped guide Holy Cross to its first undefeated regular season in 31 years and third 11-0 regular season in program history, joining the 1987 and 1991 squads as the only Crusader teams to accomplish the feat. The 2022 Crusaders became the first Patriot League team ever to win four consecutive outright conference titles; under Chesney's guidance, Holy Cross has won 16 straight regular-season contests, 17 consecutive Patriot League games and two straight games against FBS opponents.
The 2022 season had numerous marquee wins, including a Hail Mary victory against FBS foe Buffalo and an overtime win over nationally ranked Fordham; the Crusaders also earned their first win at Harvard since 2000 and defeated Harvard and Yale in the same season for the first time in program history.
The Crusaders earned a No. 6 national ranking in year-end polls conducted by Stats Perform and the AFCA.
Chesney owns a career record of 104-42, including five years at Assumption (44-16 / 2013-2017) and three seasons at Salve Regina (23-9 / 2010-2012).
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.
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.
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.
The Crusaders will open their 2023 campaign at home against Merrimack on Sep. 2. Deposits for 2023 season tickets can be made now for $25, and additional ticket information for 2023 will be released in early March.
ABOUT HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS
Holy Cross boasts 27 NCAA Division I teams as members of the Patriot League, Atlantic Hockey Association and the Women's Hockey East Association. Holy Cross' athletic teams are tied for first in the nation with an overall graduation rate of 99 percent, the second straight year in which the Crusaders have led the nation and the 15th consecutive year at 97 percent or higher.
ABOUT HOLY CROSS
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts — the second-largest city in New England — is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition, and is one of only 85 colleges in America that meets 100% of students' demonstrated financial need. Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society since its founding in 1843 by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.
FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross football team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
Twitter - @HCrossFB | @goholycross
Instagram - @hcrossfb | @goholycross
Facebook - Holy Cross Football | Holy Cross Athletics
YouTube - GoHolyCross
