New Delaware AD Eric Ziady has fired successful head football coach K.C. Keeler

By Anthony Caruso III The Capital Sports Report Owner/Managing Editor/Sr. Writer Delaware has fired their highly successful head football coach K.C. Keeler. K.C. Keeler The move is regarded as a shocking decision by new Athletic Director Eric Ziady. He had an 86-52 record with the Blue Hens after he replaced his former coach Harold “Tubby” Raymond in 2002. In 11 seasons, he led Delaware to three FCS National Championships. The Blue Hens won the 2003 Championship, before losing the 2007 and 2010 National Championship games. “We appreciate the efforts and accomplishments of Coach Keeler in leading the Blue Hens football program,” Delaware athletic director Eric Ziady said. “The 86 wins and the 2003 national championship will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of the Blue Hen faithful, and I thank Coach for his commitment to his alma mater. “However, at this important time in UD Athletics, and after thorough evaluation over the past two months, I believe a change of direction is needed in Delaware football. We must reinvigorate our program and re-energize our supporters as we lay the foundation for future success.” They finished with a 5-6 record after winning four straight games to start the year. They were also 2-6 in CAA Football, including a blowout loss to arch rival Villanova in the season finale. The four game losing streak was Delaware’s losing since the 1967 season. The Blue Hens lost by 5 points to Old Dominion, and a touchdown to Towson. Then on November 10th, they also lost by 6 points, before losing by 31 points to Villanova on November 17th. In addition, the team is just 12-10 over the past two seasons, and they have missed the postseason in four of the last five seasons. Their lone playoff appearance was when they went to the 2010 National Championship game, before losing to Eastern Washington. “On behalf of the University, I want to thank Coach Keeler for his service to our institution and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” UD President Patrick Harker said. “I fully support Eric’s [Ziady] decision and I am confident that we will attract an outstanding coach to continue to write the Delaware football legacy. Keller played for Delaware and was a linebacker, where he was a three-year starter. He also helped the Blue Hens to the 1979 Division II National Championship. © 2007-2013 The Capital Sports Report. All rights reserved. All the articles and photos contained on the website are protected by the US Copyright law and may not be re-produced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcasted without the prior written permission. The Capital Sports Report and its logo are official trademarks of Anthony Caruso III and Anthony Caruso Enterprises.