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| Otterbein athletics photo |
Otterbein head football coach Tommy Zagorski has decided to step away from the profession after more than 15 years, citing the need to focus on personal health.
Zagorski, who was preparing to enter his second year at the helm for the Cardinals after being hired early in the calendar year of 2023, told his players of his decision to step down on Friday afternoon, July 12.
"It has been a battle for me recently, and this decision affords the opportunity to take better care of myself and my family," said Zagorski. "I have always preached humility to our players – sometimes that means admitting that you maybe don't have all the answers, and it's time to step away from something you love very much because it's better for everyone involved. Being a dad and husband is too important… and having the head coach fully present in a program is also critical to the development of both the athletes and other staff members. Otterbein is an incredible community that welcomed us with open arms, so it will always be part of my heart and our story. President Comerford, VP of Student Affairs Bill Fox, Director of Athletics Greg Lott and my coworkers have been so supportive. These people pour into our student-athletes and create such a positive experience. Unfortunately, at this time, the disadvantage (for me taking part) has been my timetable. But I know Otterbein will continue creating a just society and campus community every single day."
"I'd like to thank Tommy for his service and dedication to the institution and sincerely wish him all of the best in his future endeavors," said Lott. "Even though it didn't show in the win column, the program made some very positive strides this past year. The coaching staff was visible and connected throughout campus. The culture of the program moved in a positive direction with greater accountability. I was proud of how our players represented their team in the classroom and the campus community. We have an exceptional group of recruits joining us for the upcoming season. I'm just sorry that Coach Zagorski isn't able to be around to realize the fruits of his labors."
Current offensive coordinator Jake Schaefer, who has worked alongside Zagorski for multiple years, has been named interim head coach for the 2024 season.
"Jake is a great young mind in college football," Zagorski said. "He holds a tremendous amount of knowledge and serves with passion, because this sport is near and dear to his heart. I recruited him out of high school and it's been amazing watching him grow into the man he is today. He is the right leader for Otterbein Football at this time and I'm excited to watch him further the experience for these young men, which have a tremendous amount of potential returning and have been doing everything asked. I will stand back, watch, and be proud of them… both this season and beyond."
"In watching Jake throughout this past season, it became apparent to me that he has a very high ceiling in this profession," Lott added. "He is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks. He has coached at a high level and successful programs and been given progressively more responsibility at each stop. He is ready to run a program and will now have the opportunity to earn it. Otterbein football needs continuity and stability and I believe in Jake and this staff."
Schaefer was an Ohio Athletic Conference player himself - earning the starting quarterback job as a senior at John Carroll and leading the Blue Streaks to an 8-2 record – before going on to play professionally in Germany. There, he was voted the youngest captain in GFL 1 history while also coaching the U19 Munich Cowboys team to its first conference title in 20 seasons.
The Cleveland native later returned home and rejoined John Carroll as an assistant coach, becoming part of a historic 2016 season that saw the team go 12-2 overall and win the OAC championship. That standout team, averaging 33 points per game, advanced all the way to the national semifinals.
Schaefer has since gained experience at various levels/stops, and will now oversee a well-rounded staff that blends multiple returning assistants with recent alums joining the cause.
"This is a distinct honor and privilege to be taking over, but one that also carries a great deal of responsibility," said Schaefer, who recently led the Cardinals through spring practice. "I have been working hard my entire career and would not be in this position without the guidance of Coach Zagorski, who has had a profound impact on my life. While our program will still be constructed on the pillars of character, humility and love, we will also have a new motto moving forward – O.N.E. (Only Now Exists). We will challenge our student-athletes every day to live in the present. Too often in society, we get caught focusing on the past or worrying about the future. If our kids can lock in on each individual day, and give their best ability to whatever they are doing in that moment, then we will find success."