As part of the university's restructuring process to save some money, Malone University (D-II - OH) has decided to cut the football program.
Eliminating football is projected to save the school about $1 million annually, and as an act of good faith, Malone has made the decision to continue to honor the athletic scholarships of current football players, and walk-on players will continue to receive their merit and need-based financial aid.
While the current players are having their scholarships honored, February's national signing day is less than a week away, so kids that expected to sign with Malone next Wednesday are left scrambling, and the hard work of the Malone staff to sign a 2019 class is now all for naught.
"I've worked in higher education for more than 25 years and been honored to serve as president of Malone for the past seven years, and this is by far the most difficult decision I've had to make," Malone president David King shared via their release. "We love our students and recognize that this will change elements of the student experience for our football players. This decision aligns our resources more closely with our core academic mission and strengthens our ability to provide a transformational student experience for all students."
"Our focus right now is helping our players and coaches understand how they are loved by the Malone community and that we want to be of assistance to them in any way they may need," director of athletics Charlie Grimes explained. "We very much want them to continue as students here at Malone."
Malone University started their football program back in 1993, and during that time put together a 100-156 mark, first an NAIA member, before making the transition to Division II in the 2011-12 academic year.
Head coach Fred Thomas led the program to a 2-8 season this past year, and the Pioneers competed in the G-MAC with Alderson Broaddus, Cedarville, Findlay, Hillsdale, Kentucky Wesleyan, Lake Erie, Malone, Ohio Dominican, Ohio Valley, Tiffin, Ursuline, and Walsh.
Head here to read the full release from the school.
The coaching staff at Malone now has the unenviable task of looking for new coaching positions in February of an off season. To help bring attention to who is on the staff, we've listed them, their responsibilities, and a few of their previous stops below.