Scott Abell has resigned as Davidson College’s football coach and will take the open position at Rice University.
Abell, the school’s winningest football coach, has led the Davidson program since 2018, compiling a 47-28 overall record and 35-18 Pioneer Football League mark with three FCS playoff berths. Davidson finished its 2024 season with a 6-5 record, falling to Valparaiso 18-17 in Saturday’s finale.
Associate head coach Jon Berlin has been named the interim head coach. Davidson officials said a national search will begin immediately to find Abell’s replacement.
Davidson athletic department shares its gratitude to Scott Abell
“We are sad about Scott’s departure but incredibly grateful for his time here at Davidson College,” Davidson Director of Athletics Chris Clunie said in a release Tuesday. “In just seven years, Scott transformed the football program, doing so with the highest standards of excellence both on and off the field. We wish Crissie and him nothing but the best in their next chapter. And we are absolutely committed to moving forward and writing the next great chapter for Davidson College Football.”
Rice, which competes at the FBS level in the American Athletic Conference, likely was intrigued with Abell’s ability to recruit and win consistently in a high academic setting. Abell also employs a unique offensive approach: the shotgun triple option, which has helped Davidson be among the top rushing teams in FCS for several seasons running.
Earlier this season, Rice fired Mike Bloomgren, who went 24-52 during his tenure with the Owls. Rice plays in the same conference as East Carolina and Charlotte.
“I am so grateful for Davidson College, President Doug Hicks, former President Carol Quillen and Director of Athletics Chris Clunie,” Abell said in a release. “The support and love they and the entire Davidson community provided over these past seven years, is something my family and I could never repay. I’m incredibly proud of what our staff and teams have built and accomplished. Though my time here has come to an end, Davidson Football is stronger than ever.”
“Lastly, thank you to all the players, their families and alumni that have touched my life through Davidson Football. I am and will forever be grateful for our time together.”
Faithful Abell Assistant Jon Berlin Will Be Davidson Interim Coach
In addition to being the associate head coach, Berlin has been the Wildcats’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. He joined the Davidson program in 2018 with Abell and coached with Abell at Washington & Lee.
Berlin is responsible for recruiting Tennessee and north Georgia. He’s coached defenses at Davidson that have ranked in the top-25 in FCS multiple times.
Stay tuned to NC Football News for more on this developing story.
