Polizzi resigns as head football coach
Joe Polizzi stepped down from his duties as head football coach on Nov. 11 after 16 seasons.
By JP Sinclair | Business Manager
Head football coach Joe Polizzi of the University of Indianapolis resigned on Nov. 11 after 16 seasons at the helm of the program. He cited personal reasons for the resignation.
Polizzi became the 13th head coach in the UIndy football program on January 26, 1994, and departs with an overall record of 84-89-1. He led the Greyhounds to eight winning seasons and owns the second-most wins in the program’s history.
Polizzi could not be reached for comment, but according to Athletic Director Sue Willey, he will finish the semester with his teaching duties in the KINS 120 Methods of Teaching and Coaching Football course and was considered the head coach till last Saturday’s football banquet.
“It has been tough because of all that is going on with the volleyball team hosting the regional this weekend,” Willey said. “It has put us in a bind to look at applicants.”
The Athletic Department scheduled a press conference on Nov. 23 to announce the new head coach. However, the decision was not available as of The Reflector’s press time. To read the story about UIndy’s new head football coach, visit The Reflector Online (http://reflector.uindy.edu.)
Along with the decision to appoint a new head coach, school officials are evaluating whether to change the conference in which the football team participates.
“We are evaluating with President [Pitts] and we have talked about all the different aspects [of a move to the GLVC]. The issue is the fit. We are a better fit for the GLVC,” Willey said.
Willey also went on to say that she has heard both positive and negative feedback regarding a possible conference switch. But Willey hopes to make an announcement near the beginning of next semester and not by the July 1 deadline.
“If we were to make the move, we would want more than just 6 schools in the conference,” Willey said. “However it would give us the chance to have more than one non-conference game.”
Defensive coordinator Bob Bartolomeo said he feels the Athletic Department is in the preliminary stages and understands the need to wait till after the banquet to then move forward.
“We want the student-athlete programs to be a great experience. We try and provide everything we can so programs can be successful,” Willey said.
