HAMILTON – Colgate University has announced that there will be a change in the leadership of the football program with Stan Dakosty '05 no longer leading the Raiders.

Vice President and Director of Athletics Yariv Amir '01 shared news of the decision on Monday.

"Coach Dakosty has been a true steward of Colgate University during his 20-plus years at this institution as a student-athlete and coach," Amir said. "He led our storied program with hard work, professionalism, and dedication. We are grateful to Stan and his family for their contributions to our University and community, and we wish them the very best moving forward."

Dakosty spent 17 years on the Colgate football coaching staff, starting as the tight ends coach in 2007 after a four-year career in the maroon and white. He took part in seven of Colgate's 10 Patriot League titles and every FCS playoff win, either as a coach or a player. 

Dakosty was named the head coach in 2021, and in four seasons he oversaw the guidance and development of 27 All-Patriot League selections, seven Academic All-League honorees, a 2024 Canadian Football League draft pick and a Patriot League Rookie of the Year. 

The 30th head coach in Colgate football history, he earned the associate head coach title in 2016 after originally being named to the Raider coaching staff back in 2007. He served as the co-defensive coordinator from 2019-21 and held the position of recruiting coordinator as the Patriot League began its new scholarship era from 2012-20. 

Dakosty's collection of Patriot League titles include a 2003 run to the national championship game. In 2015, Colgate conquered New Hampshire and James Madison on its way to the FCS quarterfinal. Three years later, the Raiders earned another FCS quarterfinal appearance after knocking off James Madison in the first home playoff contest since 2003. 

"The 2024 season was disappointing for everyone involved in the program and revealed the work that needs to be done both on and off the field to guide our student-athletes to excel in football and in life," Amir said. 

"Colgate is determined to take the steps necessary to support its student-athletes in all facets of their college experience. We look forward to beginning the search to find the next leader of Colgate Football."

A national search for the next Colgate University Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach begins immediately.