Last night, Dino Babers won a MAC championship as the head coach at Bowling Green. Less than 24 hours later, he’s celebrating another opportunity with a new football program.
In a move that’s been expected since the middle of the week, Syracuse announced that it has hired Babers to be its new head football coach. Babers replaces Scott Shafer, who was fired last month after going 14-23 in his three seasons with the Orange.
A Monday morning press conference will be held to officially introduce Babers.
“We wanted a leader who had a proven track record and a strong commitment to student welfare,” said Mark Coyle, Syracuse’s athletic director, in a statement. “Dino’s background as a former student-athlete combined with his head coaching experience, and dynamic offensive mind make him a great fit for our program. We are committed to building a winning Syracuse Football program and today reinforces that commitment.”
Babers spent two seasons at BGSU, where the Falcons went 18-9 and won two MAC East titles to go along with last night league championship. Prior to that, he spent 2012 and 2013 as the head coach at FCS Eastern Illinois.
Prior to becoming a head coach, Babers had served stints at places such as Baylor (2008-11, UCLA (2004-07), Pittsburgh (2003), Texas A&M (2001-02) and Arizona (1995-2000) in a coaching career that spans more than three decades.
“It is a true honor to have been selected to lead Syracuse University football, a program steeped in rich tradition, excellence, and success, both on and off the field,” said Babers. “There were many coaching opportunities out there but none more attractive or exciting than this one. I’ve always admired Syracuse Football’s scrappy demeanor, grit, and winning mentality, but what attracted me to this position even more is the University’s intense focus on preparing its student-athletes for a lifetime of success. This is an incredible opportunity and one I am thrilled to have been offered.”
Babers will not coach the Falcons in their bowl game. Those duties will fall to defensive coordinator Brian Ward.