FELDMAN STEPS DOWN AT BLINN

Blinn football coach resigns after three seasons at the helm

Blinn College football coach Ronny Feldman announced his resignation today after six seasons with the program, including the last three as head coach.

Feldman led the Buccaneers to a 14-14 mark during his three years as head coach, including an undefeated regular season in 2011 and a berth to that year’s Mississippi Bowl. The Buccaneers concluded a 4-6 season Saturday with a 38-7 loss to Trinity Valley in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference semifinals.

“We thank coach Feldman for his six years of service and wish him the very best,” said Athletic Director Scott Schumacher.

Defensive coordinator Thomas Rocco was named interim head coach. An 11-year coaching veteran, Rocco just completed his fourth season with the Buccaneer coaching staff. Under his tutelage, nine Blinn defensive backs have gone on to play Division I football, including one All-American and three all-conference selections.

Feldman spent three seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks/receivers coach under Brad Franchione before being named head coach. In 2009, he coached quarterback Cam Newton, the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner and top selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, as the Bucs won the fourth national championship in program history.

During his six years with the program, including his term as an assistant coach, Blinn went 44-19, reached the playoffs five times, won four conference championships and played in four bowl games. In 2011, his first season as head coach, the Buccaneers won their first nine games to go undefeated during the regular season.

Feldman has coached collegiate football for 23 years, including stints at Texas A&M, North Texas, Texas A&M-Commerce, Tulsa and Trinity Valley. His 12 years of coaching high school football include stops at Hempstead, Waller, Victoria, Klein Oak, The Woodlands and Klein Collins.

Prior to beginning his coaching career, Feldman played for the 1972 Blinn football team that went 10-0, won the Wool Bowl and finished the season ranked No. 2 in the nation.

Blinn football is one of the most storied programs in the NJCAA, with four national championships, including the first back-to-back national titles in league history in 1995 and 1996. The Buccaneers have appeared in 12 bowl games and compiled a 285-205-11 record since 1964.

Nine former players, three coaches, three College administrators and the 1972 Buccaneer team have been inducted into the NJCAA Football Hall of Fame. Additionally, 47 former Buccaneers have played in the NFL and 89 have been named NJCAA All-Americans.

For more information on Blinn football, visit www.buccaneersports.com.

 (Story & Photo courtesy: Matt Keyser, Blinn Infomration)