Dino Babers is headed to the ACC.
Syracuse announced Sunday that it has hired Babers from Bowling Green to replace Scott Shafer. Sports Illustrated is reporting that Babers agreed to a six-year deal with the Orange.
"It is a true honor to have been selected to lead Syracuse University football, a program steeped in rich tradition, excellence, and success, both on and off the field," Babers said in a statement. "There were many coaching opportunities out there but none more attractive or exciting than this one. I've always admired Syracuse football's scrappy demeanor, grit, and winning mentality, but what attracted me to this position even more is the University's intense focus on preparing its student-athletes for a lifetime of success. This is an incredible opportunity and one I am thrilled to have been offered.”
Babers, 54, went 18-9 in his two seasons at Bowling Green, leading the Falcons to consecutive MAC East titles. After starting this season 1-2, the Falcons won nine of their final ten games, Friday night’s MAC Championship Game victory over Northern Illinois in Detroit.
BGSU lost in the MAC title game to NIU in 2014.
Babers brought a high-powered offense to Bowling Green with the Falcons averaging 566 yards and 44.2 points per game this season.
Babers arrived at Bowling Green after two seasons as head coach at FCS Eastern Illinois. He led the Panthers to a 19-7 record in two seasons and was the runner-up for the FCS Coach of the Year Award in 2012. He was also the Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2012.
Before his time at EIU, Babers spent four seasons on Art Briles’ staff at Baylor as special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator and receivers coach. He also had stints as an assistant at UCLA, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M, Arizona, San Diego State, Purdue, Northern Arizona, Nevada, Arizona State and Hawaii.
"We wanted a leader who had a proven track record and a strong commitment to student welfare," said Syracuse athletic director Mark Coyle. "Dino's background as a former student-athlete combined with his head coaching experience, and dynamic offensive mind make him a great fit for our program. We are committed to building a winning Syracuse Football program and today reinforces that commitment."
Syracuse went 4-8 this season under Shafer, who was fired on Nov. 23, two days after the Orange lost its eighth straight game.
In three years running the program, Shafer had a 14-23 overall record with a 7-17 mark in ACC play.
For more Syracuse news, visit CuseConfidential.com.
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