CLEVELAND — Bo Pelini has stepped down from his position as head football coach at Youngstown State University in order to return to the Football Bowl Subdivision and a powerhouse with designs on remaining in the national championship conversation.
Pelini left Youngstown State to become the defensive coordinator with the reigning national champion Louisiana State University Tigers and released a statement confirming the reports of his separation from the program.
“The past five years have been terrific,” Pelini said. “I can’t thank President Jim Tressel and Ron Strollo enough for the opportunity here and support along the way. For all of the people, honestly too many to name, who were part of my YSU experience, I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you.
“The experience for me professionally to coach my hometown university and to appear in a championship game, is something I will always treasure. For Mary Pat and I, Youngstown will always hold an element of home for us with our children graduating from Cardinal Mooney High School and so many of our family members residing here. My YSU days will always be special for the entire Pelini family.”
A Youngstown native and graduate of both Cardinal Mooney High School and Ohio State University, Pelini returns to LSU, where he served as defensive coordinator from 2005-2007, after five years at Youngstown State.
Although Pelini will be plenty busy on Coach Ed Orgeron’s staff, Youngstown State will not be far from his mind.
“Trust me, I will be checking in every week in the fall to follow the Penguins as they continue to build on our successes and I know they have great days ahead,” Pelini said.
“The opportunity to return to LSU is truly unique. Culturally, with my prior experience at LSU, I know it is a great fit for me. The chance to work with Coach Orgeron, the ability to take charge of the Tigers defense. All of that in a place that both my family and I immensely enjoyed when we were there before is very exciting for us. We are very honored and looking forward to this next chapter.”
During his five years at Youngstown State, Pelini posted a 33-28 overall record, punctuated by an appearance in the 2017 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship Game. Along with the 12 wins, the 2016 Penguins made a return to the national title game for the first time since 1999.
Also, under Pelini’s watch, the Penguins had two players selected in the NFL Draft, Derek Rivers (New England Patriots) and Avery Moss (New York Giants).
This past season, Pelini, who was a head coach at Nebraska (interim, 2003; full time, 2008-2014), surpassed the 100 career victories mark.
“We’d like to thank Coach Pelini for the passion that he brought on the field and for returning home to lead our program the past five seasons,” said Ron Strollo, Youngstown State’s executive director of intercollegiate athletics.
“We wish Bo and his family the best of luck in their future. The Youngstown State football program is very special to this community and we will work tirelessly to find someone to build on what Coach Pelini established here.”
