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After 14 years as the head football coach of the Mavericks, Joe Ramunno has resigned.
The Mavs went 3-6 in RMAC play and 4-7 overall, with four of the losses against top-20 teams.
“It has been an honor and privilege to coach so many incredible young men who have worked so hard and with such class,” Ramunno said in a press release. “I will also miss the fine faculty and staff, students and my fellow coaches down the hallway.”
Ramunno finished his coaching career at CMU with an 80-77 record. However, the Mavs have suffered three straight losing seasons, going 18-25 since the 2008 season.
He was the first Mavs’ coach to take the Mavericks into the NCAA postseason, a distinction his teams achieved three times, including the program’s first ever D2 postseason win with a 41-20 win over Northeastern Oklahoma State University. It was also the first time in conference history that an RMAC team won in the postseason.
“CMU lost a great coach and an even better person,” junior Robert Felberg said. “He will be missed and we will all cherish the memories and relationships we had with him forever. We will all continue to stick together as a team and move forward as we are already eager to start training for next season. Regardless of who administration decides to hire we expect to win next season.”
Before coaching, Ramunno played football at the University of Wyoming, where he earned an All-America selection in 1984 as an offensive guard. He then played in the NFL with the Chicago Bears for one season in 1985 before returning to Wyoming to be a graduate assistant coach for The Cowboys.
Ramunno started his coaching career as Palisade High School’s head football coach. During his tenure at Palisade, his teams had a 79-31 overall record. While there, he was named Colorado Coach of the Year, Denver Broncos Coach of the Year and Rocky Mountain Coach of the Year.
He became the Mavs’ coach in 1998. Ramunno was a formidable defensive strategist. His teams ranked in the Top-15 nationally three times in rushing defense. In 2007, the Mavs’ defense ranked sixth in the nation.
Ramunno was named Coach of the Year by the National Football Foundation following the 2007 season. The RMAC named him Coach of the Year twice. He led the Mavs to two RMAC conference titles, going a combined 16-0 conference record in the 2000 and 2003 seasons.
“We appreciate the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm Coach Ramunno brought to this football program and the University,” Athletic Director Butch Miller said in a press release.
“Joe’s compassion for every one of his student-athletes is unmatched and he will be missed.”
With Ramunno’s departure, associate head coach Shawn Marsh has been named interim coach. He will be in charge of the daily operations of Maverick football. However, a national search for a new head coach has begun, according to school officials.
With his resignation, it leaves his former team not just saddened, but determined to work harder for next year.
Ramunno did not indicate his career plans for the future.
“Every coach here has the right perspective and their first priority is the kids and their well-being,” Ramunno said. “I have been lucky to be surrounded by so many good people and friends. I wish them all great luck and success as they move forward. I have no plans at this time, but I will decide what is right for my wife, Sandy, and our two children, Niko and Calli.”
ahimes@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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