THIBODAUX – Nicholls State University has accepted the resignation of head football coach Charlie Stubbs, who was in his fifth year leading the Colonels. Stubbs cited health issues as the reason for his decision, which is effective Monday, Sept. 15.
“For more than four years I have given my best effort to create the climate of change needed to support a winning football program here at Nicholls,” Stubbs said. “During the past year I have been diagnosed with major health issues, and I know that now is the time to step aside and focus my efforts on my health.”
University President Bruce Murphy accepted his resignation on Sunday morning. “I wish Coach Stubbs the very best and am thankful for all of his contributions to the Colonel football program,” Murphy said. “Being head football coach is a demanding job, and I support his decision to focus on his health at this time.”
Nicholls Director of Athletics Rob Bernardi announced that associate head coach Chuck Hepola will oversee day-to-day football operations until a replacement is hired.
“I appreciate the contributions that Coach Stubbs has made to the program over the past five years,” Bernardi said. “In many ways, he has advanced our program in terms of the academic success of our students and the overall accountability. For that, we are very grateful. We wish him and his family the best.”
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Stubbs took over the Colonel program in 2010, finishing with a 10-38 record in his four-plus seasons. Nicholls had two four-win campaigns under Stubbs including 2013, which was highlighted by a win over Western Michigan, the program’s third-ever victory against a Football Bowl Subdivision program.
Under Stubbs’ tutelage, 12 Colonels earned first or second team All-Southland honors, while 11 players earned Southland All-Academic. Along with drastically improving the team’s Academic Progress Rate, Stubbs produced a Southland Conference Student Athlete of the Year as well as the program’s first-ever Capital One Academic First Team All-America honoree.
