Jacksonville University Dolphins will no longer play football, as the sport was discontinued immediately, as well as its participation in Division I program.
Jacksonville University Dolphins was active for 22 years
“As a University, we are investing and innovating to match our offerings to the 21st-century marketplace and to support the diverse demands and interests of our students,” said Jacksonville University President Tim Cost.
“This investment profile requires careful analysis, realistic planning and – occasionally – difficult decisions to help drive us forward to excellence.”
“This was a difficult decision,” said Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert.
“Our student-athletes and coaches in the football program are talented, tenacious and hard-working. We respect them immensely. Reinvesting these resources into our other Division I programs better positions us to enhance the experience for all 450 student-athletes.”
“To aid in the transition, the school is offering full-tuition scholarships to every football student-athlete who chooses to remain at Jacksonville University through graduation. Additionally, Jacksonville University will honor the employment agreements for all football coaches and is “offering enhanced resources to assist in their job search.”
“We look forward to fully supporting our football student-athletes and coaches as they pursue the next steps in their academic, athletic and professional careers,” said President Cost.
The Jacksonville team was ever-present in the non-scholarship Pioneer Football League since 1998. In the 2019 season, The Dolphins finished 3-9 overall and 1-7 in conference action.
