UWW Head Coach Leaving

Students returning to nearby University of Wisconsin-Whitewater came back to shocking news this morning.

According to ESPN, The University of Wisconsin Whitewater Head Football Coach Lance Leipold has accepted the position of head football coach at the University at Buffalo, a Football Bowl Subdivision school.

"I'd like to congratulate Coach Leipold on being named the next head football coach at the University at Buffalo," UW-Whitewater Chancellor Richard J. Telfer said. "It is a tribute to his hard work and excellent performance both on and off the football field. I think I speak for many Warhawks when I say that we are proud of him and we wish him all the best."

His shoes are going to be hard to fill. He took a strong program and made it a national powerhouse in Division III.

Leipold, a 1987 UW-Whitewater graduate, currently owns a 106-6 career record as a head coach. He led the program to five national championships and, earlier this season, became the fastest head coach in NCAA history to reach 100 career wins.

A four-time Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year and five-time American Football Coaches Association Division III National Coach of the Year, Leipold entered the 2014 season with the highest winning percentage among active coaches in college football. Last season, he became one of two coaches at any level to earn five AFCA Coach of the Year honors.

Under Leipold, the Warhawks won seven WIAC championships and reached the Stagg Bowl national championship game six times.

UW-Whitewater, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation by d3football.com and the American Football Coaches Association, is set to host Wartburg (Iowa) in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Playoffs this Saturday at 12 p.m. at Perkins Stadium.

A national search for Leipold's replacement will begin immediately.

Being a proud grad from UWW, I am sad to see him leave, but wish the best to him on his new venture. Thanks Coach from an Alum who you've made very proud.