Marist Football Coach Announces Retirement After 32 Years

College football's longest-tenured head coach in Division I and familiar face on the sidelines at Marist College football games has announced his retirement.

Over the last 32 years, there have been many ups and downs with the Marist College football team, close games, league championships, and much more. The most consistent part of the Red Foxes has been the man in charge of the team, the head coach, and after patrolling the sidelines for over three decades he has announced he's retiring according to the Marist website.

Jim Parady Retires

Jim Parady has led Marist's football program for the last 32 years, won 155 games, captured four league championships, earned three Coach of the Year awards, and had two players appear in NFL games. According to many is "one of the classiest men who has ever patrolled a sideline." Parady announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon saying,

"I am proud of what we accomplished at Marist. I am grateful to all the great student-athletes I've had the chance to work with. It has been incredible to see them in their life after graduation and seeing them as husbands, fathers, having successful professional careers, and giving back to Marist and their own communities. I will always cherish my time leading this program. I'd also like to thank all the fantastic administration and staff I've worked with who help make Marist a special place, and I wish them success moving forward."

Parady not only enjoyed success on the gridiron but is regarded as one of the classiest men in college athletics with Marist's Director of Athletics Tim Murray saying,

"Marist has been fortunate to have someone of Jim Parady's character for the last 33 years. He is beloved by his players and has made an impact in their lives that extends far beyond the field. I thank Coach Parady for his steadfast leadership and I know I speak for everyone at Marist College when I say we have been blessed with someone of Jim's integrity. I personally wish (his wife) Kristen, (daughter) Sarah, and (son) Brett much time together."

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What's Next for Marist Football?

After making the Parady retirement announcement, the college said that Scott Rumsey will serve as Marist's interim head coach and the college has begun a national search to find Parady's successor. Rumsey has been the program's associate head coach for the past 19 years, defensive coordinator for the last 23 years, and has been on staff for 26 years according to the Red Foxes.