Last modified: Friday, June 15, 2007
Bill Lynch to serve as Indiana Head Football Coach during 2007 season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2006
Photo by: Chris Meyer
In the continued absence of Hoosier Coach Terry Hoeppner, Bill Lynch will assume the title of head football coach at IU for the 2007 season.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan has announced that Bill Lynch, who has been the Hoosiers' assistant head coach and offensive coordinator since 2005, will assume the title of head coach for the 2007 season as Terry Hoeppner continues his leave of absence.
"Most importantly, I wish Terry well with his ongoing health issues," Greenspan said. "Hep means a great deal to so many of us, and his health is a primary concern. As we rapidly approach the season, we believe this clarity is needed regarding the leadership of our football program. Bill Lynch and our staff have done an admirable job under trying circumstances, and the leadership they have displayed with our student-athletes has been exemplary. I am confident that we will be capably led and thank Bill for his willingness to serve as our head coach for the 2007 season. At the end of the campaign, we will re-evaluate the circumstances and move forward from that point."
Indiana President Adam W. Herbert echoed Greenspan's sentiments.
"Indiana University is extremely grateful for the outstanding job Coach Hep has done to transform the IU football program," Herbert said. "His leadership and dedication provide the foundation on which we continue to build the highly competitive football teams he envisions. The Hoosiers will aggressively pursue Hep's goal of playing 13 in 2007 as he fights to restore his health. His spirit and determination to overcome adversity are an inspiration to us all."
This decision was made after recent consultation between Greenspan and the Hoeppner family.
"Our family continues to be very grateful and humbled by the tremendous support from the athletic administration, IU fans and friends around the country," Jane Hoeppner said. "For the past several months, Terry has received chemotherapy and radiation treatments. This battle requires us to focus our energy and attention on aiding his recovery in every way we can. The faith we have in God more than sustains us and grows stronger every day. Our family is confident that Bill and the staff will do a great job this season. These comments would be incomplete without Hep's ultimate statement to all of you -- DON'T QUIT!"
Photo by: Chris Meyer
Lynch has been with the Hoosiers as assistant head football coach and offensive line coordinator since 2005.
Lynch owns an 81-67-3 record in 14 seasons as a head coach at Ball State, Butler and DePauw. He came to IU with Hoeppner and also oversaw the quarterbacks for the Hoosiers in 1993 and 1994.
"His courage serves as an example to all of us, and we are prepared to follow his example as we look to achieve great things this season," Lynch said. "All of us in the IU football family wish Terry the best as he fights through this significant health challenge."
Freshmen report to campus August 4, and the Hoosiers open the season September 1 at home against Indiana State.
PLAYER QUOTES
"As a group our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Coach Hep and his family. I think our coaches have brought this team along and made it even closer. We are focused on having the best season we can possibly have, and Coach Lynch will continue to bring out the best in us." -- Junior wide receiver James Hardy
"In times of adversity, everyone has to step up. We are all pulling for Coach because we know he will never quit fighting. This team thinks the world of our coaching staff and will play its hearts out for them. Our ultimate goal will never change and that is to perform at the highest level we possibly can week in and week out." -- Senior offensive lineman Charlie Emerson
