Tommy Zagorski delivered the news to his team Friday afternoon that he had made the difficult decision to step away before starting his second season at the help of the Otterbein program.
The school announced that the coaching veteran of 15 seasons is stepping away to focus on his personal health.
"It has been a battle for me recently, and this decision affords the opportunity to take better care of myself and my family," he shared.
"I have always preached humility to our players – sometimes that means admitting that you maybe don't have all the answers, and it's time to step away from something you love very much because it's better for everyone involved. Being a dad and husband is too important… and having the head coach fully present in a program is also critical to the development of both the athletes and other staff members."
"Otterbein is an incredible community that welcomed us with open arms, so it will always be part of my heart and our story. President Comerford, VP of Student Affairs Bill Fox, Director of Athletics Greg Lott and my coworkers have been so supportive. These people pour into our student-athletes and create such a positive experience. Unfortunately, at this time, the disadvantage (for me taking part) has been my timetable. But I know Otterbein will continue creating a just society and campus community every single day."
Jake Schaefer, the team's offensive coordinator and former standout quarterback at John Carroll (D-III - OH), has worked alongside Zagorski for multiple seasons and has been named the team's interim head coach for the 2024 season and the rest of the staff is set to return for a second season.
The school's release states that a search for a new co-offensive coordinator / run game coordinator is currently underway.
Otterbein went 0-10 last fall in the OAC, widely regarded as one of the toughest small school football conferences in the country where Mount Union has won nearly every football conference title the past several decades to go along with more than their fair share of national titles as well.
Director of athletics Greg Lott shared in the school's release that, despite the lack of wins, the program made significant strides in culture and staff connectedness to the campus community under Zagorski's leadership.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.