Untitled Document
American Army Bucknell Colgate Holy Cross Lafayette Lehigh Navy



Username Post: Joe Susan steps down        (Topic#22471)
Bucknellbisonfan21 
Masters Student
Posts: 548
Bucknellbisonfan21
Loc: Bloomsburg
Reg: 11-12-15
01-14-19 07:36 PM - Post#272602    

Per Bucknell athletics on Twitter: “Joe Susan has stepped down as head coach. He will assume a role in the Department of Athletics.”

 
BisonRoadWarrior 
Professor
Posts: 5203
BisonRoadWarrior
Loc: Where the Bison Roam
Reg: 08-16-06
01-14-19 07:48 PM - Post#272604    
    In response to Bucknellbisonfan21

BucknellBison.com article:
https://bucknellbison.com/news/2019/1/14/joe-su san...


 
MangyOne 
Freshman
Posts: 96
MangyOne
Loc: Rochester, NY Metro Area
Reg: 12-28-09
01-15-19 08:59 AM - Post#272639    
    In response to BisonRoadWarrior

Thanks for the years, Coach, but I think he and the rest of us knew that it was time for a change. A class act, but we need a new, younger coach to bring the Bison back to being competitive in the PL. I fear that with Temple and Army looming in the coming seasons, it could be a while before we see a big change in the Win column. Here's hoping the University commits to football as it has to basketball.

 
bison63 
Postdoc
Posts: 3857

Reg: 01-23-06
01-15-19 10:33 AM - Post#272644    
    In response to MangyOne

  • MangyOne Said:
Thanks for the years, Coach, but I think he and the rest of us knew that it was time for a change. A class act, but we need a new, younger coach to bring the Bison back to being competitive in the PL. I fear that with Temple and Army looming in the coming seasons, it could be a while before we see a big change in the Win column. Here's hoping the University commits to football as it has to basketball.


I agree with your thoughts, but do not see it happening. Unlike basketball, the cost is greater, and the payoff is not as great in terms of the visibility of the stages the teams are competing on (FCS vs Div I hoops). Football’s future is a big question at schools like Bucknell.

 
HoleinOne 
Masters Student
Posts: 596

Loc: Bluffton, SC
Reg: 02-15-09
01-15-19 11:47 AM - Post#272648    
    In response to bison63

I live near Frisco, Texas, where the Division II playoffs are held each year. While I have been optimistic about Bucknell's recent recruiting classes, when I read reviews of the better teams much is different than the Bison's approach and commitment to the sport. Facilities, grade point averages, etc. all hurt Bucknell. My assessment is even with a new, high energy coach, we need to dramatically increase our overall skill level, versus just split up the talent pool with other Patriot League teams. As others have mentioned, tough issue.

 
HuskyColonial 
PhD Student
Posts: 1976

Age: 50
Reg: 02-17-12
01-15-19 12:57 PM - Post#272661    
    In response to HoleinOne

I want Bucknell to win at everything! That said, hoops, Lacrosse, field hockey and water polo make the most sense to pursue at elite levels.

 
bison63 
Postdoc
Posts: 3857

Reg: 01-23-06
01-15-19 01:04 PM - Post#272665    
    In response to HuskyColonial

  • HuskyColonial Said:
I want Bucknell to win at everything! That said, hoops, Lacrosse, field hockey and water polo make the most sense to pursue at elite levels.


Sad but true for one who was around in the days when football mattered.

 
Bison89 
Professor
Posts: 5370
Bison89
Loc: Philadelphia
Reg: 11-14-07
01-15-19 06:49 PM - Post#272710    
    In response to bison63

I would like to wish Coach Susan a lot of luck and thank him for everything. Personally, I don't know if I would have come to Bucknell had he not recruited me in high school.

Thanks, Coach Susan!
New season, new team, new dream . . .


 
A Western Bison 
Sophomore
Posts: 179

Age: 65
Loc: Albuquerque
Reg: 07-05-12
01-15-19 06:54 PM - Post#272712    
    In response to bison63

I don't know that we can heap dirt on the program just yet. I believe Joe Susan had another year on his contract, so I'm hoping that this is more a move toward relevance rather than elegy, and maybe some impatience for results. Hear, hear.



 
candyfan 
Masters Student
Posts: 459
candyfan
Reg: 01-10-10
01-15-19 08:13 PM - Post#272717    
    In response to A Western Bison

Sorry to see a good man go. Joe Susan gave it his best but it's all about recruiting and winning as a Coach, even at Bucknell, where crowds of people used to show up for games but haven't done so for years.

Bucknell hires winning basketball coaches. Perhaps they can transfer some of that ability to hiring their next football coach?

 
MangyOne 
Freshman
Posts: 96
MangyOne
Loc: Rochester, NY Metro Area
Reg: 12-28-09
01-15-19 09:46 PM - Post#272725    
    In response to candyfan

While some think the costs to maintain a competitive presence in football are too much for a school of Bucknell’s size and academic reputation, I have to disagree. Other schools like Bucknell (Lehigh, Colgate, Richmond for example) have been able to remain competitive against other schools who spend far more, even in the FCS playoffs, and they don’t really spend that much more than BU does. If the school does not want to concentrate on being like these teams I have mentioned, I have to question the wisdom of scheduling teams like Temple and Army in the coming years. While this adds a sense of legitimacy to our program, if we do not attempt to spend to be competitive, it only ensures lopsided losses that does nothing but further damage the program. I don’t claim to have the answers, but the administration needs to decide which way it wants to go. If they choose to maintain the status quo, I fear the football program will go the way of schools like Boston U. and Hofstra - not what alumni and PL schools want to happen. I am not looking for Bucknell to end up being the Alabama of FCS football, just competitive - I don’ t think that is too much to ask for, do you?

 
Bison137 
Professor
Posts: 16147
Bison137
Reg: 01-23-06
01-16-19 12:45 AM - Post#272729    
    In response to candyfan

  • candyfan Said:
Sorry to see a good man go. Joe Susan gave it his best but it's all about recruiting and winning as a Coach, even at Bucknell, where crowds of people used to show up for games but haven't done so for years.

Bucknell hires winning basketball coaches. Perhaps they can transfer some of that ability to hiring their next football coach?




There is a big difference between the two sports. In basketball, Bucknell spends as much or more than our league competitors. In football, over time Bucknell has spent far less than everyone except Georgetown. Just as importantly, it appears that Bucknell's administration will not cooperate when it comes to bringing back injured players for a fifth year. When all of our opponents are starting several 5th year players every year, and Bucknell is never suiting up a fifth year player, that is a huge disadvantage for the bison.




 
MangyOne 
Freshman
Posts: 96
MangyOne
Loc: Rochester, NY Metro Area
Reg: 12-28-09
01-16-19 02:37 PM - Post#272768    
    In response to Bison137

This is exactly what I see, and I can't help but wonder how long we can continue down this road. If both the Bison and Georgetown fail to use 5th year players when the rest of the PL teams do, eventually both will have such little support due to poor competitiveness that the programs disappear - NOT what the PL fathers want. In fact, it could lead to the demise of the PL as a football league. I do not know why the administration is so opposed to 5th year players, but we must have a level playing field within the league - if not, why bother. Again, I am not trying to turn us into a powerhouse football program, just competitive - not for our sake as alums, but for the sake of the Bison student athletes who work so hard to represent the Orange and Blue.

 
Doktore K 
Masters Student
Posts: 473

Reg: 11-11-09
Re: Football going forward
01-16-19 08:52 PM - Post#272790    
    In response to MangyOne

A few thoughts on the future path of the football program:

1. With a new AD who played football at Edinboro, there will be more focus on football. Coming off a 1-10 season, changes will be made and some significant. To punt 10 to 12 times a game is crazy! Our depth this year was really thin.

2. Our football program needs an identity. What will the new coach bring to the table? What do we want to be?

3. Will the head coach we pursue require some commitments like the potential for injured players to have the option of a 5th year? More funding? To get the best candidate, our administration needs to commit to changes like these.

4. How do go from playing Duquesne and Marist and St Francis to lining up vs Temple at Lincoln Financial Field?? Here’s hoping we don’t have many injuries and that we make some big bucks from this game vs the speedy Owls.


 
MrPhillie 
Postdoc
Posts: 2757
MrPhillie
Loc: NE PA
Reg: 07-14-08
01-16-19 08:53 PM - Post#272791    
    In response to MangyOne

Don’t know a lot of the football situation, other than it is not very competitive, but do you think perhaps Coach Susan himself may be frustrated by the relative lack of commitment by admin?

 
bisonfbfan 
Pre-Frosh
Posts: 1

Reg: 01-16-19
01-17-19 06:52 PM - Post#272854    
    In response to MrPhillie

We can be competitive, we just need the powers to be to give football some more focus and find an coach who has that drive and can recruit. I agree we need to give them more funding and work on those potential 5th year players when possible.

Maybe we can lure coach Chesney back to PA and help turn our program around.

 
MangyOne 
Freshman
Posts: 96
MangyOne
Loc: Rochester, NY Metro Area
Reg: 12-28-09
01-18-19 12:42 PM - Post#272898    
    In response to MrPhillie

I don't know for a fact, but I suspect the frustration level of Coach Susan is a factor. And if so, I cannot blame him. Joe is a good man, but when you tie someone's hand as far as commitment from the powers-that-be, one can't help but eventually wonder "why bother".

 
Bison137 
Professor
Posts: 16147
Bison137
Reg: 01-23-06
01-18-19 02:43 PM - Post#272911    
    In response to MangyOne

Yes, I imagine he has been frustrated, both by the situation and by the results. But he certainly shares the blame, since the offense he has employed dates back to times when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. He gave his QB's little chance and tried to overpower teams with so-so offensive lines. Defense has been better, with a good amount of the credit probably due Matt Borich.

To have any chance of a turnaround, someone needs to be hired who brings new ideas and a much more innovative approach to the offense.




 
bison63 
Postdoc
Posts: 3857

Reg: 01-23-06
01-18-19 03:34 PM - Post#272914    
    In response to Bison137

How this is handled will tell us a lot about the new AD, as well as what FB’s future is st Bucknell.

 
Doktore K 
Masters Student
Posts: 473

Reg: 11-11-09
Re: Football coach candidates
01-28-19 06:44 PM - Post#273942    
    In response to bison63

Any insider info on the coaches we are interviewing for the head coaching position?

How about Bill Zwaan the veteran coach at West Chester U?
Just finished a 10-0 PSAC regular season as WCU won the league title game for first time in 47 years.

Runs a high-powered offense that uses no huddle. Small shifty backs who can run and catch behind a huge line. With new AD having played at Edinboro in the PSAC, perhaps a close look at coaches like Zwaan or the coaches at IUP or Slippery Rock. Just a possible route.

Any other names being tossed about??



 
Bison137 
Professor
Posts: 16147
Bison137
Reg: 01-23-06
01-28-19 07:05 PM - Post#273947    
    In response to Doktore K

No idea what names are actually in the mix, but one who was mentioned is Justin Lustig, who was a good DB under Tom Gadd. He currently is an assistant at Syracuse but was wildly successful as a head coach in 2016 at Edinboro where he took an 0-11 team and improved in to 9-2 in one year. Won national D2 COY award. Before that, he was an assistant at Ball State and a couple other D1 schools. He is a native of Erie.




 
DrBison 
Junior
Posts: 244

Age: 73
Reg: 12-22-08
01-28-19 08:03 PM - Post#273948    
    In response to Bison137

Lester Erb has been mentioned.

 
Bison137 
Professor
Posts: 16147
Bison137
Reg: 01-23-06
01-28-19 08:41 PM - Post#273953    
    In response to DrBison

  • DrBison Said:
Lester Erb has been mentioned.




Interesting. Without knowing much about either Lustig or Erb, I would prefer Lustig for a couple of reasons: (a) Experience as a head coach and sensational results; and (b) link to Tom Gadd, the best football coach at BU in at least the last 50+ years.

One thing I would want to know more about Erb is why he was fired by Iowa after 13 years there. Also, while the Rutgers running game did pretty well his first year there, when he was RB coach, why was he moved to WR coach? Unlike Lustig, Erb did not play under Tom Gadd, instead playing on the mediocre teams of George Landis and Lou Maranzana. Also he has never been a head coach, which is not a deal-breaker for me, but not a positive either. Coaching for a 1-11 team that had a bad offense can't be a positive either, but there is no question Rutgers had poor personnel relative to other Big 10 teams.

With Chris Ash likely less than a year from being fired by Rutgers, I wouldn't be surprised if Erb would take the Bucknell job if offered.




 
bison63 
Postdoc
Posts: 3857

Reg: 01-23-06
01-28-19 11:34 PM - Post#273970    
    In response to Bison137

Any truth to the rumor that they are waiting until after the Super Bowl to see if they can get Belichick? Not sure if he is up to the recruitment part of the job though.

 
Bison89 
Professor
Posts: 5370
Bison89
Loc: Philadelphia
Reg: 11-14-07
01-29-19 11:49 AM - Post#274012    
    In response to bison63

bison63, that is funny! That being said, Cheater Belichick would never survive with all of the NCAA restrictions.
New season, new team, new dream . . .


 
jkrun80 
Postdoc
Posts: 3305

Age: 65
Reg: 05-07-12
01-29-19 11:59 AM - Post#274013    
    In response to bison63

  • bison63 Said:
Any truth to the rumor that they are waiting until after the Super Bowl to see if they can get Belichick? Not sure if he is up to the recruitment part of the job though.


Bill or Amanda? Her we might be able to get, though she coaches lacrosse not football.

 
BisonFan272 
Pre-Frosh
Posts: 2

Reg: 02-05-19
02-05-19 07:53 PM - Post#275148    
    In response to DrBison

Any more thoughts on any other possible candidates?

 
BisonFan272 
Pre-Frosh
Posts: 2

Reg: 02-05-19
02-06-19 11:02 AM - Post#275201    
    In response to BisonFan272

Bucknell plans to hire Dave Cecchini as its next head coach, sources told FootballScoop on Wednesday.

Cecchini is currently the head coach at Valparaiso, where he is 17-38 in five seasons leading the Crusaders.


How is that record better than coach Susan?

 
Bison137 
Professor
Posts: 16147
Bison137
Reg: 01-23-06
02-06-19 12:31 PM - Post#275225    
    In response to BisonFan272

The record isn't any better, but the performance is. Valpo had only beaten one team (Campbell) in the four years prior to Cecchini's arrival. And they had lost to multiple D2/D3 teams. They have a terrible football tradition and spend very little money on it.

He had a great reputation as Lehigh's offensive coordinator. May turn out to be a good hire - if Bucknell gives him any support.




 
Bison89 
Professor
Posts: 5370
Bison89
Loc: Philadelphia
Reg: 11-14-07
02-06-19 05:46 PM - Post#275265    
    In response to Bison137

It's official:

Dave Cecchini Named Head Football Coach at Bucknell

LEWISBURG, Pa. – Dave Cecchini, one of the all-time great wide receivers in Patriot League history who has since gone on to achieve tremendous success in the coaching ranks, has been named the 27th Bob Odell Head Football Coach at Bucknell University, director of athletics and recreation Jermaine Truax announced Wednesday.

Most recently the head coach at Valparaiso University, Cecchini has a long track record of building explosive offenses at elite academic institutions. Previously the offensive coordinator at Lehigh University, The Citadel and Harvard University, his offenses have shattered school records at his every stop, propelling his teams to a combined seven conference championships. An All-American wide receiver at Lehigh during his playing days in the early 1990s, Cecchini spent 13 of his 24 seasons as a coach at his alma mater.

“I am thrilled to introduce Dave Cecchini as Bucknell’s 27th head football coach,” said Truax. “Dave has had tremendous success throughout his career as a student-athlete, a coordinator and a head coach. He has earned a reputation as one of the brightest offensive minds in the nation, and has made substantial improvement to the Valparaiso football program as head coach. Having played and coached in the Patriot League for many years, Dave is a great fit for Bucknell and the student-athletes in our football program. He understands how to attract the best and brightest student-athletes, who will excel in the classroom and on the field while being great representatives of Bucknell and our community.”

“I am beyond excited to become the next head football coach at Bucknell University,” said Cecchini. “I would like to thank President John Bravman and director of athletics and recreation Jermaine Truax for this amazing opportunity. Bucknell is an exceptional institution with an outstanding tradition of successfully blending a world-class education with competitive Division 1 athletics programs. I am looking forward to meeting the team and working towards building a Patriot League championship-caliber program together.”

In 2014, Cecchini took over Valparaiso’s football program that had won just three games, all against the same opponent, in the four seasons before his arrival. The 2017 campaign saw Valparaiso reach new heights thanks to a potent offense that totaled 330 points and 4,398 yards, both good for second in school history. Picked to finish 10th of 11 teams in the Pioneer Football League, Valparaiso tied for third with a 5-3 record, its most league wins since 1961. Overall, Valparaiso finished above .500, at 6-5, for the first time since 2003.

For guiding Valparaiso’s turnaround, Cecchini was a finalist for the American Football Coaches Association’s FCS National Coach of the Year and the STATS FCS Coach of the Year awards; he was also voted as the Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year and the AFCA FCS Region 4 Coach of the Year.

Cecchini leaves Valparaiso as the program’s winningest coach through 50 games since 1986. Other highlights of his time at Valparaiso included defeating rival Butler in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2005, going 4-0 in conference games at Brown Field in 2017 and sending two student-athletes to the 2018 FCS National Bowl, which showcases the FCS’s top players.

Before becoming the 17th head football coach in Valparaiso history, Cecchini spent four seasons as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Lehigh. During his second stint on the Mountain Hawk staff, Cecchini built one of the most proficient and explosive offenses in the nation. In 2011, Lehigh ranked in the FCS’s top five in total offense (469.6) and passing offense (340.6) while averaging a Patriot League-best 32.5 points per game. Ten offensive players captured All-Patriot League laurels that season, headlined by Offensive Player of the Year Chris Lum. Lum, who was also the runner-up for the Walter Payton Award, broke the Patriot League’s single-season record for passing yards (4,378) and touchdown passes (32). For his role in Lehigh’s success, Cecchini was a finalist for the FootballScoop FCS Coordinator of the Year award.

With Cecchini guiding the offense, the Mountain Hawks went a combined 39-9 and won two Patriot League titles. Wide receiver Lee Kurfis led the nation in receiving yards per game (122.8) in 2013, after quarterback Mike Colvin finished fifth nationally in total offense (326.64) the year before. Under Cecchini’s watch, four Mountain Hawks garnered All-America honors.

From 2007 to 2009, Cecchini served as The Citadel’s offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach. During his first season in Charleston, the Bulldogs finished with their best record in 15 years, bolstered by an offense that set 16 school records, including points per game (39.5) and total offense (437.6). Cecchini mentored wide receiver Andre Roberts, a First Team All-American who set Citadel records in single-season receptions (95), receiving yards (1,334) and touchdown catches (15). Roberts, who was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2010 National Football League Draft, is currently a member of the New York Jets organization.

Beginning in 2003, Cecchini spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks and wide receivers coach at Harvard. His fast-paced offense paid immediate dividends, as the Crimson averaged 461 yards per game during his first campaign, a figure good for fourth nationally. The next season, Harvard went 10-0 and won the Ivy League championship. After the Crimson led the Ivy League in aggregate offense, the AFCA selected Cecchini as its 2005 Mike Campbell Top Assistant Coach Award winner.

Under Cecchini’s tutelage, 14 Harvard records fell, including points per game (33.9). Among his charges was quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the 2004 Ivy League Player of the Year who was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the 2005 NFL Draft. Fitzpatrick, who is currently the quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has also spent time in five other NFL organizations.

Before his tenure in Cambridge, Cecchini spent nine seasons on his alma mater’s staff. In 2000, Cecchini’s first campaign as offensive coordinator, Lehigh went 11-0 during the regular season and reached the Division I-AA (now FCS) quarterfinals. Following that season, Cecchini was promoted to assistant head coach while retaining his responsibilities as offensive coordinator. In 2001, his up-tempo offense averaged 38.3 points per game, helping the Mountain Hawks secure their second-straight undefeated regular season and championship quarterfinal appearance. In Cecchini’s first three seasons directing the offense, Lehigh posted a combined 31-6 record and captured two Patriot League titles.

During his playing days at Lehigh, Cecchini became a consensus First Team All-American after leading the nation in receptions and receiving yards per game in 1993. That season, he set Patriot League records in receptions (88), receiving yards (1,318) and touchdown receptions (15); his 15 touchdown catches remain the Patriot League standard to this day. Cecchini, who was later named to the Patriot League 15th Anniversary Team, graduated from Lehigh in 1995 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing.

Cecchini first joined the Mountain Hawk football staff as a tight ends coach. He also served as a running backs coach, quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator. During Cecchini’s first stint in Bethlehem, Lehigh averaged more than 350 yards of offense and over 26 points per game.

Cecchini and his wife, Tammy, have two sons, Evan and Will.

Cecchini’s first game on the Bucknell sideline will come on Aug. 31 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, when the Bison take on Temple. It will be the first meeting between the long-ago rivals since 1970. The Bison and Owls met every season from 1927 to 1970, with the winner receiving "The Old Shoe" trophy.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT DAVE CECCHINI

Former Harvard and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick:

“I really enjoyed Coach Cecchini not only as a coach but as a man. He helped me a lot in my college years. He helped me grow up, he taught me a lot about the game of football, and really taught me a lot about being a great husband and father. He had a lot of characteristics that I really looked up to, and I think he’s going to make a great head coach.”

Former Lehigh head football coach Andy Coen:

“I am very happy for Dave and his family to have this opportunity. Dave is an outstanding coach, but more importantly an outstanding person. I support him and wish him nothing but the best. I look forward to watching Dave build Bucknell into a winner.”

Wake Forest assistant head football coach Kevin Higgins:

“Bucknell made a great decision in hiring Dave Cecchini as its head coach. I have watched Dave grow from an All-America wide receiver to a very successful offensive coordinator, leading several programs to multiple championships. He is a man of character and integrity that will be a great role model for his players. There aren’t many brighter coaches in the country than Dave.”
New season, new team, new dream . . .


 
justanotheropinion 
Freshman
Posts: 6

Age: 61
Reg: 11-10-16
Joe Susan steps down
02-15-19 07:25 PM - Post#276545    
    In response to Bison89

He was not a very talented coach. I am sure we will see in short order what a good coach can do with the talent that Susan had through the years. It's been too long in coming to make this change. Just because a coach says the right things doesn't make him a good coach. Ask 100 of his players what they really think of him off the record and you will see the glaring facts about this man. By the way, my daughter went to Bucknell and dated a starter so we attended the games. Most parents of players hated this guy.

Edited by justanotheropinion on 02-15-19 07:26 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

 
bison63 
Postdoc
Posts: 3857

Reg: 01-23-06
02-15-19 11:58 PM - Post#276673    
    In response to justanotheropinion

While I was disappointed in the overall performance in the Susan era, I do believe that the program he leaves is far, far better than the laughingstock he took over. Again, I cannot help but suspect there is more going on than meets the eye. Overall Hardt did a good job, but the football program did not prosper under him. New AD, new coach so let’s wait and see, but the suspicion remains in this quarter that football is on the way out.

 
Icon Legend Permissions Topic Options
Report Post

Quote Post

Quick Reply

Print Topic

Email Topic

3866 Views



Copyright © 2004-2012 Basketball U. Terms of Use for our Site and Privacy Policy are applicable to you. All rights reserved.
Basketball U. and its subsidiaries are not affiliated in any way with any NCAA athletic conference or member institution.
FusionBB™ Version 2.1 | ©2003-2007 InteractivePHP, Inc.
Execution time: 0.284 seconds.   Total Queries: 16   Zlib Compression is on.
All times are (GMT -0500) Eastern. Current time is 10:00 PM
Top