PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pat Narduzzi in his seventh year at Pitt, James Franklin his eighth at Penn State and it’s the third year for West Virginia head coach Neal Brown.
Rich Lackner starts his 36th year as Carnegie Mellon’s football coach this season. He announced on Thursday, it will be his last.
“I will be forever grateful to Carnegie Mellon for allowing me the opportunity to lead the Tartan football program for the past 36 years,” said Lackner in a statement released by the university.
“It has been a privilege and an honor to do so. Throughout my tenure at the university I was blessed with incredible coaches and amazing young men who were competitive, hard-working, dedicated and loyal. I want to thank the Tartan community for all they have done for me and my family!”
Lackner first stepped on campus in 1975 and became a four-year starter at linebacker winning the PAC Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1976. He would graduate in 1979, twice an Academic All-American, and be named head coach seven years later.
He is the program’s all-time winningest coach (226-123-2), third in Division 3 in active coaching wins, 12th on the all-time list. Won 11 conference championships, seven-time conference coach of the year and taught 60 Academic All-Americans.
“Rich Lackner is one of the finest human beings I have ever known,” said CMU Director of Athletic Josh Centor in a statement. “He has never looked at football as just wins and losses, but rather, he has always embraced the opportunity to teach, mentor and educate young men during a formative time in their lives.”
“I am forever humbled by the privilege to have worked alongside Rich for the past 14 years. There is nothing he wouldn’t do to support a player, colleague or friend.”
“His legacy will be felt at Carnegie Mellon forever.”