Olivet football coach Dan Pifer has announced his resignation after five seasons with the Comets. Pifer led the Comets to back-to-back Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships in the 2015 and 2016 seasons for the first time in more than 100 years, breaking just one of many records for the school under his coaching. In addition, the team secured a trip to the 2016 NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time since 2007.
Pifer has accepted the head football coaching position at Walsh, an NCAA Division II school in North Canton, Ohio. "We wish Dan and his family the best in this new opportunity, and we are thankful to him and the current coaching staff for leaving Comet football better than when he arrived," said Olivet president Steven M. Corey.
Pifer ends his time with Olivet with an overall record of 30-21. After the team went 0-10 during his first season as head coach, the Comets posted a 6-4 record in both 2013 and 2014. In 2015, Olivet had a 9-1 overall record and shared the MIAA championship with a 5-1 record. The nine wins were the most in school history for a season. The team tied the record again in 2016, ending the season 9-2 overall and 6-0 in the conference to secure the outright championship title.
"I appreciate all the work Dan has done for our program and the foundation he has laid for us to have continued success," said athletic director Ryan Shockey. "I have begun working with college administration, football coaching staff and players to ensure we secure a new head football coach who will continue the recent success of the program in a manner we will all be proud of."
A transition plan has been created with Warren Maloney, associate head coach and defensive coordinator, managing all day-to-day operations. Dan Musielewicz, offensive and recruiting coordinator, will continue to lead all football recruiting efforts. The remaining coaching staff continues to prepare for the 2017 season while the search to replace Pifer is underway.