University of Massachusets Athletics
Molnar To Forgo Coaching In Champs Sports Bowl
December 19, 2011 | Football
Dec. 19, 2011
AMHERST, Mass. - New UMass football head coach Charley Molnar has decided to forgo coaching in the Champs Sports Bowl in his former role as the Notre Dame Offensive Coordinator. Molnar will focus on the continuing efforts of building his coaching staff and solidifying the recruiting class for the 2012 UMass football season.
"After evaluating the situation, I felt it was in the best interest of the UMass football program for me to focus primarily on the work at hand," said Molnar. "It was a strong first week in reaching out to recruits and speaking with prospective members of the next coaching staff."
Molnar was named Head Coach of the UMass football program on December 8, 2011 after spending the last two seasons at Notre Dame. He has been a member of Irish head coach Brian Kelly's staff for the last six seasons.
"I want to thank Brian for giving me the opportunity to coach in the bowl game," said Molnar. "While I am disappointed that I won't be there with the players and coaches that I have worked with over the last two years, I will be watching and cheering for them. This is a critical juncture in transition of the UMass football program and I owe my current players and the fans my sole dedication as we prepare for 2012."
The Champs Sports Bowl would have been the seventh straight bowl appearance for Molnar in his coaching career. That includes his time at Cincinnati where he helped the Bearcats to a Sugar Bowl berth and a No. 3 ranking in the BCS rankings.
