Ohio Bobcats’ Frank Solich, the best football coach in MAC history, is different from health issues

Ohio’s Frank Solich, the best coach in MAC history and the fourth-best coach in all-university football, is resigning to focus on his health, the school announced Wednesday.

Offensive coordinator Tim Albin has been promoted to head coach after he has already agreed on a new four-year contract.

Solich, 76, led Ohio’s 11 bowl games and four MAC East games in 16 seasons.

Before coming to Athens, Solich was Nebraska football, first as a player, then as an assistant, and finally as head coach. He used the Cornhuskers program for six seasons and won a major 12 championship in 1999 before being fired in 2003.

Solich’s career record is 173-101. His 115 wins in Ohio are the highest ever by head coach MAC.

“After fifty-five years of coaching, 16 of which are at Ohio University, it’s time for me to give up focusing on cardiovascular health,” Solich said in a statement.

His father Frank Sr. died of heart failure in 2001.

“I’ve appreciated the support of Bobcat fans over the years, and I know they continue to support Coach Albin,” Solich said. Having worked directly with Tim for 21 consecutive years, six at the University of Nebraska, it is clear to me that he is ready to continue our work and move the program forward. “

Sports director Julie Cromer said in a statement that Solich had raised the program to “incredible heights” and that they were “lucky” that Albin was ready to replace him.

“It is truly an honor to lead the University of Ohio football program, and I want to thank President Sherman and Athletics Director Julie Cromer for their faith in me,” Albin said in a statement. “I am forever indebted to Coach Solich for everything he has offered me and taught me over the years, and I know he is always part of the program.”