Feb. 11, 2005

Charleston, SC - Citadel head football coach John Zernhelt announced his resignation and his acceptance of an assist coaching position with the New York Jets Friday afternoon in Seignious Hall.

"I wasn't looking for a job, but it was a job and an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up," Zernhelt stated. "I am friends with Mike Heimerdinger the new offensive coordinator for the Jets and things kind of just fell into place."

Zernhelt led the Bulldogs to a 3-7 overall record in 2004 as the head coach. Four players being named All Southern Conference and victories over Benedict, Chattanooga and Wofford highlighted Zernhelt's lone season as a head coach.

"I have had a great experience at The Citadel. The Citadel is a unique place and an exceptional environment for young men to get a college education and to play football," Zernhelt added. "There would be fewer problems in college football programs across the country if there was a little Citadel in each one."

Citadel Director of Athletics Les Robinson will meet with the coaching staff on Monday and Tuesday to get their input before starting the coaching search in full force. This will be the third head football coach in five years that Robinson has hired.

"It is always our policy to look inside the program before looking outside," Robinson stated. "Business will be as normal as it can be from here on out as the football program is preparing for spring practice."

The Bulldogs begin spring practice on March 1st.