WORCESTER, Mass. — Bob Chesney has stepped down from his position as head coach of the Holy Cross football team to accept the head coaching job at James Madison University, as announced on Thursday, Dec. 7. 

In six seasons at the helm of the Crusaders, Chesney led Holy Cross to a 44-21 record overall, including a 28-4 mark in Patriot League action and two victories against FBS opponents. During Chesney's tenure, Holy Cross won an unprecedented five consecutive Patriot League Championships from 2019 to 2023, becoming the first team in conference history to win five straight league titles.

"Bob Chesney has been a transformational leader, dynamic community member, and dear friend to the Holy Cross and Worcester communities for more than a decade," said Holy Cross Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes. "He has poured himself into our football program and College, and left both considerably better than he found them. Holy Cross football is now established as a nationally recognized FCS program and an ideal destination for elite student-athletes. 

"On behalf of Crusaders everywhere, I want to thank Bob for his contributions to Holy Cross, and wish him, his wife Andrea, and children Lyla, Hudson and Bo all the best of luck on their transition to James Madison. They will be missed, but forever a part of our Crusader family."

The Crusaders made four appearances in the NCAA FCS playoffs from 2019 to 2022. During a historic 2022 campaign, Holy Cross went 11-0 during the regular season for the third time in program history and first time since 1991. 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 on the campaign was a hard-fought playoff contest at top-seeded South Dakota State, the eventual national champion.

A three-time Patriot League Coach of the Year, Chesney produced 82 all-conference selections over six seasons. His players earned numerous national and academic honors, including two finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy (Peter Oliver, 2022 and Jacob Dobbs, 2023) and two Patriot League Scholar-Athletes of the Year (Oliver, 2021 and Dobbs, 2023). 

"As I bid farewell to Holy Cross after six transformative years, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the extraordinary journey we've shared," Chesney said. "The collective passion of the players, coaches, athletic department staff and administration, families, alumni, fans and entire Worcester community has created history. It's been a remarkable chapter, and I'm confident that the team is well-positioned for even greater success in the future.

"For 11 years, my family has called Worcester home. As a young family, it is all that we have known, and we cannot be more grateful to this entire community for embracing us during our time here."

A national search for the position will begin immediately. For any additional questions or inquiries, please send all correspondence to: crusaderfbsearch@holycross.edu

Position Description

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. Holy Cross is one of a select group of colleges that meets 100% of each admitted student's 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.

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