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| Illinois Wesleyan athletics photo by Ashtin Elder Photo |
Norm Eash, the winningest coach in Illinois Wesleyan University football history, announced he will retire following the conclusion of the 2024 campaign. He will move into a new role as Senior Advisor for Titan Traditions and Alumni Legacy at the end of the season.
"Thirty-eight years ago, a torch was passed to me from my coach and mentor Don "Swede" Larson," Eash reflected. "I was 32 years old and my dream and goal was to come back to my alma mater as the head football coach. They were big shoes to fill, but I had a very rewarding and tremendous journey. After 365 games and 183 bus trips, it is time for me to step away and pass the torch to someone else. There is never a good time to retire, but there is a right time."
Eash, the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin all-time wins leader, has compiled a career record of 233-132-1 (.638) over the course of his time leading the Titan football program. His career win total ranks 42nd all-time across NCAA Division I, II, and III, while he is 13th all-time among the Division III ranks. He leads all active Division III coaches in career coaching victories.
"I would be remiss if I didn't say the two most important words for this moment – thank you," Eash added. "First, to my family. My wife Cheryl, and my children Kyle, Kendra, Kelsey, Kaylyn, and Karley for the many sacrifices and support. To the legendary Dennie Bridges, former head basketball coach and longtime athletic director, for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to prove my worth. His leadership, guidance, and support allowed me many successes. I also want to thank Jack Sikma, a true friend, who strongly recommended me to Coach Bridges, believed in me, and allowed me to get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
The "dean" of league coaches, Eash has been College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin "Coach of the Year" six times (2017, 2009, 2007, 2001, 1996 and 1992). His career CCIW mark is 171-102-1 (.626), surpassing Larson for most all-time victories in the league. Larson was 142-89-6 in 33 years from 1954-86.
"Thank you to the many players who have worn the Titan uniform for putting their trust in me and believing in Illinois Wesleyan," Eash added. "I want to thank the many loyal and committed staff members who touched my life in some way for allowing me to lead this program for so many years. I am proud of the numerous coaches that have gone on to successful careers in the NFL, Division I, Division II, and Division III levels."
"I want to thank Norm, Cheryl, and their entire family for the commitment they have shown to Illinois Wesleyan and our student-athletes over the past 38 years," Illinois Wesleyan athletic director Mike Wagner said. "Norm's service to our University, both as a football coach and as the leader of the physical education department, has made an everlasting impact. I came to IWU as a member of Norm's staff more than three decades ago and witnessed firsthand his relentless dedication to recruiting and the program. The traditions within our football program reach far past our campus as evidenced by the undeniable success of Norm's coaching tree. I am excited for Norm, Cheryl, and their family as they move into this next chapter."
"Illinois Wesleyan is incredibly unique in that there have been just two head football coaches over the past 70-plus years, with Coach Eash having served in the role for the past 38 seasons," Illinois Wesleyan President Sheahon Zenger said. "This commitment exemplifies who we are at IWU. We are excited for the opportunity to celebrate Coach Eash's lifelong contributions to Illinois Wesleyan as a student, student-athlete, coach, administrator, and educator. I look forward to working with him in his new role as Senior Advisor for Titan Traditions and Alumni Legacy."
In the nearly four decades, Eash has coached nine CCIW championship teams (1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2009, 2017, 2018); six NCAA Division III playoff teams (1992, 1996, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017); 12 first team Division III All-Americans (including defensive lineman Mike Murphy in 2020); nine Academic All-Americans; and one winner of the Gagliardi Trophy honoring the nation's top Division III player (Lon Erickson in 1996).
In 2011, Eash was elected as an "honorary member" of the American Football Coaches Association for his "devotion, dedication and distinguished service to the game of football."
A native of Chenoa, Ill., Eash captained his high school football and basketball teams and was a Little All-State football selection in 1970. A 1975 IWU graduate, Eash was a starting defensive lineman as a sophomore and a starting offensive tackle his last two seasons, playing on an 8-1 team in 1974 that tied for the CCIW title. Eash taught physical education and was an assistant coach in football, basketball, and track at Streator High School from 1975 to 1982, then was head football coach and athletic director at Dwight High School. His Dwight teams were 34-15, qualified for the Illinois High School playoffs three times, and reached the Class 2A quarterfinals in 1983, when Eash was voted Kankakee Area Coach of the Year.
"As I leave this program as the head football coach, I hope and pray that I have enhanced it and brought honor and fame to the program and the university," Eash said. "Being a Titan is really not about how many games were won or lost, but leaving a legacy and how we go about things. The goal was always to help players create more value for their futures, be the best player they could be, and be more successful in life because they were a part of this program. Hopefully, we have done that during my tenure."
Eash will lead the Titans into their season finale Saturday, Nov. 16, against No. 1 ranked North Central. A national search for the next head football coach will be conducted following the end of the season.