Penn sprint football head coach Jerry McConnell dismissed after 18 seasons with the program

Jerry McConnell will not return as head coach of Penn sprint football next season, Penn Athletics announced on Wednesday. 

The decision comes after sprint football’s underwhelming performance this past fall, ending its season with a 2-6 record overall and losing all three of its conference games.

“We are grateful for Jerry's nearly two decades of service and dedication to our student-athletes in the Penn sprint football program, both as head coach and offensive coordinator,” Athletic Director Alanna Wren wrote in the announcement. “This leadership change is an important step toward elevating the program's competitive success and enhancing the overall experience for our student-athletes. We wish Jerry the very best in his next chapter.”

McConnell first joined the sprint football program in 2007 as an offensive coordinator, before taking over as head coach when Bill Wagner, who had held the head coach position for 50 years, retired after the 2019 season. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 season was canceled, and McConnell led the team as head coach for the first time in 2021, when the program experienced five consecutive wins and outscored their opponents 252-52 in total. 

During his time with the program as offensive coordinator and head coach, McConnell helped the team win the Collegiate Sprint Football League titles in 2010 and 2016 and a CSFL South Division Championship in 2017. He has also helped develop offensive players, many of whom went on to receive all-CSFL honors, including three CSFL MVPs. In his first season as head coach seven players were named all-CSFL first-team. 

McConnell previously served as head coach at Holy Cross High School and also coached at Temple University, Rowan University, and La Salle University.  Although he leaves his position as head coach, McConnell’s son, Penn sprint football offensive line coach Frank McConnell, remains on the coaching staff.

Penn Athletics is currently searching for a new head coach for the fall season.