News Summary
Jacksonville University has announced the discontinuation of its football program due to financial constraints. The decision, made by Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert, will allow the university to reallocate resources to enhance other sports programs. The affected football players will receive full-tuition scholarships to continue their studies within JU, while the coaching staff is offered support for their career transitions. This move aligns with a broader trend among universities reassessing their athletic programs for sustainability and effectiveness.
Jacksonville – In a significant shift for its athletics program, Jacksonville University announced the discontinuation of its football program on December 3, 2019. This decision, made by Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert, was a result of extensive data-driven analysis revealing that the costs associated with maintaining the football program outweighed its benefits.
The university has been part of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) non-scholarship Pioneer League since 1998. By discontinuing football, JU plans to redirect resources to enhance the student-athlete experience for approximately 450 student-athletes participating in other sports. Ricker-Gilbert indicated that a thorough evaluation underscored the need for reallocation of financial resources toward programs that contribute more significantly to the overall goals of the athletics department and the university.
In a move aimed at supporting displaced football players, Jacksonville University will offer full-tuition scholarships to those remaining who wish to complete their studies at the institution until they graduate. Additionally, the university has committed to assisting these players in finding new opportunities to continue their football careers at other colleges and universities. This transition support underscores JU’s commitment to the welfare of all its student-athletes.
The coaching staff, including head coach Ian Shields who was in his third year at JU, will have their employment agreements honored. The university intends to provide resources to help these coaches secure new positions within the industry, including covering expenses for them to attend coaching conferences and networking events, which is crucial for their career transitions.
Since its inception in 1998, JU’s football program has recorded an all-time performance of 118 wins against 155 losses. The discontinuation has left the campus community shocked, with many students voicing concerns for the affected players and what the future holds for JU athletics as a whole.
JU President Tom Cost highlighted that the decision was made with the long-term future of the athletics department in mind. The focus is on fostering student graduation rates and enhancing the recruitment of quality student-athletes. In line with this, the university has established a dedicated “Care Team” to assist affected student-athletes with guidance in areas such as financial aid and academic advising. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to ensure students receive necessary support during the transition period.
The decision to discontinue the football program aligns with a nationwide trend among higher education institutions reassessing their athletic programs for sustainability and effectiveness. Many schools have started reevaluating the structure and viability of various sports programs, taking into consideration the financial implications and their impact on student welfare.
As Jacksonville University transitions into this new phase, the focus will remain on enhancing student-athlete experiences and ensuring that those impacted by the football program’s discontinuation receive the necessary support for their educational and athletic pursuits.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: NCAA Settlement and JU
- Google Search: Jacksonville University football program discontinuation
- Football Scoop: FCS Program Shuts Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football programs discontinuation
- Jax Daily Record: JU Football Program Discontinuation Explained
- Google News: Jacksonville University football program
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
