Cornell (FCS - NY) has announced a change in leadership atop their football program
David Archer, a former Cornell captain and the longest tenured head coach of the program in more than six decades, will not return for another season.
He went 29-71 overall leading his alma mater with his best year coming in 2022 (5-5).
He spent 11 seasons leading the team, and was the youngest Division I head coach when he accepted the job back in January of 2013.
Archer and the Big Red finished with a 3-7 mark this season and finished 5-5 last fall. The .500 finish to the 2022 season marked the highest win total for the program since 2005.
In two of the past four seasons, Archer led the team to victories over the eventual champion of the Ivy League.
"Cornell University has been home to me since I was a college freshman, and I have a deep love of this place and this program," Archer shared in the school's official release.
"I want to thank the many people involved who have given me the opportunity to be the Roger J. Weiss '61 Head Coach - Andy Noel and Susan Murphy for hiring me in 2005, and Vice President Ryan Lombardi and Director of Athletics Dr. Nicki Moore for continuing to support me throughout my tenure. It's been a great honor and I've done my best to meet the University's mission and goals."
"My players and staff have put in tireless work and led with their whole hearts, and I'm eternally grateful for all they've given and sacrificed for Cornell football and for me."
"Though I'm proud of the many things we've accomplished, unfortunately the results on the field dictate that it is time for new leadership. I look forward to my role as a positive, supportive alumnus of the program that I love so much and will always cheer for the Big Red."
The school has announced that a national search to replace Archer will take place, and the search will be assisted by Parker Executive Search.
Meanwhile, associate head coach / defensive coordinator Jared Backus is stepping in as the interim head coach.