Hamline coach out after two seasons

Hamline athletic officials announced today that John Pate will be stepping down from his position as Hamline’s head football coach. Pate has been coach of the Hamline Pipers for the past two seasons.

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Hamline is 1-18 in just under two seasons since Pate's hiring. Although the Pipers are 1-8 this season, it's a significant improvement over the 0-10 season in 2011 in which Hamline scored just 41 points on the season. Pate was hired in January 2011 to replace Jim Good, who left after going 10-30 in four seasons.

“John has been a hardworking and dedicated leader of football here at Hamline. We extend our best wishes to John as he pursues new opportunities,” said Jason Verdugo, athletic director at Hamline. “Looking ahead, I am excited about the potential for developing a strong football program. Our student-athletes are eager and committed, and our coaches and staff are skilled and dedicated. I believe there is great promise for growing a robust and competitive football team.”

Prior to Hamline, Pate twice served on the staff at Georgia Southern, first from 1985-89 and then again from 1996-2005. Pate’s roles ranged from defensive line coach to associate head coach, and he spent more than 12 years as the recruiting coordinator with the Eagles. His teams won NCAA Division I-AA (now the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision) national championships in 1985, 1986, 1989, 1999, and 2000. Pate also coached in the title games in 1988 and 1998.

Hamline’s football team’s 2012 season record is 1-8 entering the season finale against Macalester. The search for a new head football coach will begin immediately.