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| FDU-Florham athletics file photo |
On Thursday, after completing a national search for its next head football coach FDU-Florham athletic director Jenn Noon removed the interim tag and named Jimmy Robertson the fifth head coach in the program's 45-year history.
Robertson replaces Brian Surace, who spent nine seasons as head coach and compiled a record of 21-69. The Devils were 3-7 in 2019.
"After the completion of a national search, it was evident that the best fit for the position was right in front of us." Noon explained, "I am honored to officially announce that Jimmy Robertson, will remove the Interim tag effective Feb. 15, and will be the next head Football coach of Fairleigh Dickinson(-Florham). Jimmy has committed to leading all facets of the program to new heights and that was evident over the past three months.
"Jimmy has put a major emphasis on creating a brand, building relationships with our alumni and putting FDU on the football recruitment map in numerous states. I am more excited to see the individual development of our current student-athletes both academically, athletically, and socially. "
"I want to thank President Capuano, Dr. Brian Mauro, AD Jenn Noon, and everyone on the search committee for seeing the vision I have for FDU football," Robertson explained. " We are going to attack every day with a relentless energy and passion that is going to make this a fun and exciting program to be a part of- for our players, coaches, alumni, the campus and local community.
Robertson served the past three months as the school's interim head coach, helping continue to push the program forward in recruiting, alumni relations and in the FDU community. During his time as interim, Robertson and his staff hosted 10 football recruiting days that brought over 175 perspective student-athletes to the FDU-Florham campus. Prior to being named interim, Robertson served as the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, helping lead an offense that finished tops in the conference in multiple categories.
Prior to FDU, Robertson was at the United States Merchant Marine Academy where he coached for the previous four seasons. He served as quarterbacks coach from 2012-2014, after coaching the wide receivers in 2011. In 2014 he mentored quarterback Matt McDaniels, who was named first team All-Liberty League.
Before USMMA, Robertson played in the German Football League for the Plattling Blackhawks in 2009 and 2010. He previously served as the assistant quarterbacks coach at his alma mater, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, during the 2009 season while obtaining his M.S. degree in management in 2010. Robertson also graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in business and management from RPI. He minored in sports psychology.
The Devils' program is in full swing, with offseason workouts and spring practice beginning March 18. The 2020 season opener is set for Friday, Sept. 4 vs. the Merchant Marine.