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| Millikin was tied for last place in the CCIW this season. Millikin athletics photo |
Millikin football coach Patrick Etherton has resigned his position effective with the end of the 2015 season.
Millikin athletic director Craig White will begin an immediate search for a new head coach.
"We appreciate the dedication and hard work Coach Etherton has put into the Big Blue football program over the last 12 years," said White. "Patrick Etherton is a good man and a class act and has been a great role model for these young men. I wish him well with his future plans."
"I have been very fortunate to work at my alma mater for the past twelve years and would like to thank Millikin University for that opportunity," said Etherton. "I would like to thank my wife Airn, my son Rory and my daughter Adelyn as well as my entire family for their support of my career at Millikin University. I also would like to thank Lin Stoner and Larry Pauly for all that they have done to help our football program and mentor me as a person.
“While working at Millikin University, I was able to work for a great mentor and even better person in Doug Neibuhr and I appreciate the opportunity he gave me twelve years ago. I would like to thank Pat Allgeier and Dan Potempa for always being loyal to the football program and for being loyal to me over the past five years. I would like to thank all the players that I have had the great opportunity to coach over the past 12 years at Millikin University. I hope that I made a difference in their lives and I am forever grateful that the difference they have made in my life."
"I am confident we can find the right person to lead the Big Blue football program," adds White. "The new coach must be able to develop a winning culture while enhancing our successful recruiting strategy and moving the program forward."
Etherton joined the Millikin coaching staff in 2004 and coached on both sides of the football for the Big Blue. He was named head coach in 2011 and compiled a 16-34 record in five seasons.
Etherton was the school’s men's golf coach from 2004 to 2011. Under Etherton, the Big Blue men's golf program was successful including winning the 2011 CCIW championship and a bid to the NCAA Division III national championship. A 2000 graduate of Millikin, Etherton played defensive back during his playing days for the Big Blue and was a student assistant coach from 1998-2000.