UMass introduces Molnar as new head coach

Dec 9, 2011 - 1:18 AM Amherst, MA (Sports Network) - The University of Massachusetts named Charley Molnar its new head football coach on Thursday.

Molnar takes over the position that was held by Kevin Morris, who was fired last month after going 5-6 this past season and 16-17 over his three years with the school.

"I am extremely pleased that Charley has decided to join the University of Massachusetts as our next head football coach," said athletics director John McCutcheon. "His background, energy, commitment to student-athletes and desire to be part of a growing program clearly separated him from an outstanding pool of candidates. I know that once the UMass community has a chance to meet him they will realize how fortunate we are to have Charley as our head football coach."

The 29th head coach in Minutemen history, Molnar, 50, had been the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach with Notre Dame the past two seasons. The Irish went 8-4 this season and will play in the Champs Sports Bowl against Florida State later this month.

He has 28 years of coaching experience, but this will be his first head coaching job.

"This is an opportunity I worked for my whole career and there is no limit to my excitement on this day," said Molnar. "When John McCutcheon called to offer me the position, I knew this dream was becoming a reality and I said when can I start. I have a vision for this program into the future and we are going to do nothing but great things at the University of Massachusetts."

Next season will see the Minutemen play in an FBS program for the first time as the school will play in the Mid-American Conference, but the team won't be eligible for the MAC Championship or a bowl game until 2013.