Old Dominion coach Bobby Wilder resigned Monday, just two days after saying he wanted to return following a 1-11 season, according to multiple reports.
Wilder was hired in 2007 to launch the football program, which began play in 2009 and joined the FBS ranks in 2014.
“I have resigned as head coach of the ODU football program as I feel it’s in the best interest for this program going forward,” Wilder said in a statement. “I have poured my heart and soul into this university and our football program, but I feel this is the best decision for Old Dominion University. I plan to be an asset throughout the transition for the University.”
The 1-11 season is the worst in Wilder’s tenure at ODU. The only win this season came against FCS opponent Norfolk State, and the Monarchs finished 2-14 in Conference USA play over the past two seasons.
Following Saturday’s season-ending loss — the Monarchs’ 11th straight — to Charlotte, Wilder said he had confidence in a turnaround in 2020.
“I 100% believe in @ODUFootball and our ability to win in 2020!” he tweeted.
“Coach Wilder has dedicated the last 13 years of his professional career in the pursuit of excellence for ODU football,” athletic director Camden Wood Selig said in the statement. “I am extremely grateful to Bobby Wilder, our assistant coaches, our student athletes and our football support staff. Collectively they have given everything of themselves. They have represented ODU with class and dignity.”
Wilder’s career record at ODU was 77-56 but ended with three losing seasons in a row. He was 32-32 in Conference USA play.
Yahoo Sports reported that Old Dominion will pay $600,000 to buy out his contract.
One of the candidates for the job could be former Florida State coach Willie Taggart, whom Selig hired to coach at Western Kentucky in 2009 when he was athletic director there.
