The University of Olivet head football coach Dan Pifer has announced his resignation after five seasons with the Comets. Pifer led the Comets to back-to-back MIAA conference championships in the 2015 and 2016 seasons for the first time in over 100 years, breaking just one of many records for the school under his coaching. In addition, the team secured a trip to the 2016 NCAA Division III playoffs, the first time since 2007.
Pifer has accepted the head football coaching position at Walsh University, a NCAA Division II school in North Canton, Ohio. “We wish Dan and his family the best in this new opportunity, and we are thankful to him and the current coaching staff for leaving Comet football better than when he arrived,” said The University of Olivet President Steven. M. Corey, Ph.D.
Coach Pifer ends his time with Olivet with an overall record of 30-21. After the team went 0-10 during Pifer’s first season as head coach, the Comets posted a 6-4 record in both 2013 and 2014. In 2015, Olivet had a 9-1 overall record and shared the MIAA championship with a 5-1 record. The nine wins were the most in school history for a season; the team tied the record again in 2016, ending the season 9-2 overall and 6-0 in the conference securing the outright championship title.
“I appreciate all the work Dan has done for our program and the foundation he has laid for us to have continued success,” said Athletic Director Ryan Shockey. “I have begun working with college administration to ensure we secure a new head football coach that will continue the recent success of the football program in a manner we will all be proud of.”
A transition plan has been created with Warren Maloney, associate head coach and defensive coordinator, managing all day-to-day operations. Dan Musielewicz, offensive and recruiting coordinator, will continue to lead all football recruiting efforts. The remaining coaching staff continues to prepare for the 2017 season while the search to replace Coach Pifer is underway.