Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: James T. Giffen
Bucknell Announces Change in Leadership in Football Program
12/8/2025 12:27:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell vice president for athletics and recreation Tim Pavlechko '91 announced on Monday a leadership change in the Bison football program.
"Dave Cecchini has served as the Bob Odell Head Football Coach at Bucknell since February 2019, and I am extremely grateful to Dave for his dedication to the Bison football program and the mentorship that he provided to our student-athletes over that time," said Pavlechko. "Our focus now shifts to quickly identifying our next head coach to lead the program and shape a winning culture within a rapidly evolving Patriot League."
During Cecchini's tenure, the Bison had 40 All-Patriot League selections, 19 Academic All-Patriot League honorees, and three Patriot League Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Prior to his hiring at Bucknell, Cecchini had been the head coach at Valparaiso from 2014-18, and he also had stints as offensive coordinator at Harvard, The Citadel, and his alma mater Lehigh.
"This is an important moment of opportunity for the Bucknell football program," said Pavlechko. "I am deeply appreciative of the support we receive from our alumni and fans, and now more than ever it's going to take all of us and more working together to provide our new head coach with the resources needed to bring Bison Football to new heights."
Bucknell's next head coach will be the 28th since the program's inception in 1883.
"Dave Cecchini has served as the Bob Odell Head Football Coach at Bucknell since February 2019, and I am extremely grateful to Dave for his dedication to the Bison football program and the mentorship that he provided to our student-athletes over that time," said Pavlechko. "Our focus now shifts to quickly identifying our next head coach to lead the program and shape a winning culture within a rapidly evolving Patriot League."
During Cecchini's tenure, the Bison had 40 All-Patriot League selections, 19 Academic All-Patriot League honorees, and three Patriot League Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Prior to his hiring at Bucknell, Cecchini had been the head coach at Valparaiso from 2014-18, and he also had stints as offensive coordinator at Harvard, The Citadel, and his alma mater Lehigh.
"This is an important moment of opportunity for the Bucknell football program," said Pavlechko. "I am deeply appreciative of the support we receive from our alumni and fans, and now more than ever it's going to take all of us and more working together to provide our new head coach with the resources needed to bring Bison Football to new heights."
Bucknell's next head coach will be the 28th since the program's inception in 1883.
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