Carm Cozza, who has graced Yale's sidelines for more than three decades and coached the Elis to 10 Ivy League football championships, confirmed this will be his final season, the Yale Daily News reported Friday.
"It was a very difficult decision for me," Cozza told the school newspaper. "I have very mixed emotions, but the time has come in my career to think about what's best for the team and for myself."Cozza's remarks came on the eve of an official news conference, which was scheduled last month amid widespread media speculation about his retirement plans. All 24 senior team members will attend the conference.
Cozza, 66, who is entering his 32nd season as head coach, told his players of his plans in an emotional speech before practice Thursday.
"He has given everything to football and to this school and we follow and respect him as someone who has devoted his whole life to coaching and teaching young men," said Paul Tryon, a senior linebacker from Wellesley, Mass.
Cozza has a 177-111-5 record, making him the school's winningest coach.
Cozza said he thought it was fitting to retire as Yale's 32nd coach after his 32nd year and wanted to make the announcement before the season to alleviate any added pressure on the players. And, should the team struggle this year, he did not want to give the impression he was leaving because of one subpar year.