Marc Benavidez had been a mainstay in the Avila program for many years as a standout player, then assistant and coordinator, and then took over as head coach at Avila (NAIA - MO) in 2018.
Last year, he put together a 10-2 campaign last season at his alma mater, broke nearly every conceivable offensive school record, and led them to the playoffs for the first time ever with a share of the KCAC conference title.
Now, he's on the move for a new opportunity.
Benavidez announced last night he was stepping down at Avila to pursue other opportunities, and this morning William Penn (NAIA - IA) formally announced him as their new head coach.
He takes over a program that finished the 2022 season 3-7, and enters The Heart of America Conference with and will also have in-state national powers like Morningside and Baker to contend with on the recruiting trail - both of which are perennial top 15 programs.
Benavidez leaves Avila as the winningest head coach in school history with a record of 39-12 over five seasons.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for all the latest.