Rocco departs for Delaware after five seasons as Richmond football coach

Update: ESPN 950 is reporting that the Spiders will pursue Chattanooga head coach and former Richmond assistant Russ Huesman as Danny Rocco's replacement. Huesman served as Richmond's defensive coordinator during the 2008 championship season. 

---

Danny Rocco will leave University of Richmond to become the head football coach at University of Delaware, Scott Day, Richmond's assistant athletic director for communications, confirmed Tuesday morning. 

Rocco's departure comes as no surprise after he told the Richmond Times-Dispatch two weeks ago that he would consider his future at Richmond once the season ended. He was reportedly a candidate for the head coaching job at Temple University as well, but the Owls hired former Florida defensive coordinator Geoff Collins instead. 

Rocco hinted at a difference of opinion between him and Richmond officials in his interview with the Times-Dispatch on Nov. 30, saying, "I think my most singular uncertainty is the vision." 

Richmond Athletic Director Keith Gill released a vague statement Sunday about his commitment to maintain a winning football program, but did not say whether he would attempt to retain Rocco as the team's head coach. 

Under Rocco's leadership, the Spiders went 43–22  and found unprecedented success by reaching the FCS quarterfinals for three consecutive years. Rocco, who coached at Liberty University for six seasons before coming to Richmond, has never coached a team to a losing record. 

Gill will address the media at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Updates on Rocco's departure and Richmond's head-coaching vacancy will come when they are available.

Contact editor-in-chief Charlie Broaddus at charlie.broaddus@richmond.edu