Holy Cross fire Gilmore, name Rock interim coach

By AP
Published

(STATS) - Tom Gilmore was fired as Holy Cross' coach Sunday, one day after the Crusaders were shut out for their fourth straight loss.

The longest-tenured coach in the Patriot League was 72-81 (.471) in 14 seasons, including 2-5 this year following Saturday's 32-0 loss to Yale.

The 2009 season highlighted the 53-year-old Gilmore's tenure. The Crusaders won the Patriot League title and advanced to the FCS playoffs, finishing 9-3. His teams had a 41-39 record (.513) in league games.

"These are never pleasant decisions, but, ultimately, I believe this is the best course of action for our student-athletes and for the success of our football program moving forward," athletic director Nathan Pine said. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tom for his tireless efforts on behalf of our student-athletes and service to the college. Tom has been a mentor to our student-athletes and a positive presence in our campus community for his 14 years at Holy Cross."

Offensive coordinator Brian Rock will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2017 season. The school said a national search to find a permanent coach is underway.

The Crusaders next host Colgate in a Patriot League game on Saturday.

Gilmore is the second FCS coach to be fired during the season. SWAC member Alabama State replaced third-year coach Brian Jenkins earlier this month.