Football | 1/16/2017 4:52:00 PM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport University athletics has announced that head football coach Lou Esposito has resigned effective immediately. Esposito helped build the football program from its beginnings and saw the team complete a 6-5 record in their first year, which concluded this fall. Davenport ranked second in the NAIA in kickoff return average (26.6), third in rushing defense (85.9), fifth in total defense (270.2), eighth in scoring defense (17.5), 12^th in opponent third down conversions (31.2) and 17^th in total sacks (25) in 2016.

"I really appreciate the opportunity that was given to me by Davenport," said Esposito. "My time has been filled with great memories and I want to thank the administration, coaches, players and fans for their support. The coaches and players in particular leaves me with a heavy heart because they sacrificed so much to get to this point in the program. I feel like for myself and my family, this is the right time to move on but have loved my time at Davenport. Davenport has done more for me, than I have for them."

Current offensive coordinator Steve Casula will serve as interim head coach and has been with the program since July 2014. A national search will begin immediately to find a new head football coach to lead the Panthers into NCAA Division II and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 2017.

"Coach Esposito has informed me that he has accepted another position and offered his letter of resignation," said director of athletics Paul Lowden. "I would like to thank Lou for his dedication to Davenport University and the football program. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. We will now focus on the search for a new head football coach. The next leader of the program will be critical as Davenport moves into NCAA Division II and the GLIAC next season."
 
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