Orange football hires new head coach

Coach Babers was on the sidelines coaching the Falcons to a Mid-Atlantic Conference championship last night, 34-13 over the Northern Illionois Huskies. Today, he is the new head coach of the Syracuse Orange football program. 

"It is a true honor to have been selected to lead Syracuse University football, a program steeped in rich tradition, excellence, and success, both on and off the field," Babers said. "There were many coaching opportunities out there but none more attractive or exciting than this one. I've always admired Syracuse Football's scrappy demeanor, grit, and winning mentality, but what attracted me to this position even more is the University's intense focus on preparing its student-athletes for a lifetime of success. This is an incredible opportunity and one I am thrilled to have been offered."

The job was open after Scott Shafer was relieved of his duties at the end of the season, last Saturday versus Boston College, where the Orange won in thrilling fashion on a last-second field goal. 

Babers spent four years coaching at Baylor between 2008-2011, and his offensive-minded strategies there may have been what landed him the job. He has had a successful 30-year career coaching football, starting all the way back in 1984 as a grad-assistant at Hawaii. 

"We wanted a leader who had a proven track record and a strong commitment to student welfare," Mark Coyle, Syracuse's director of athletics said. "Dino's background as a former student-athlete combined with his head coaching experience, and dynamic offensive mind make him a great fit for our program. We are committed to building a winning Syracuse Football program and today reinforces that commitment."

Babers has an all-time head coaching record of 37-16, and a 26-5 record in conference play. He's won two other trophies, they were during his stint at Eastern Illinois, where he led his squad to two straight Ohio Valley Conference championships in the 2012-2013 season. He also won the OVC coach of the year award during those seasons. 

The California native played was a running back and defensive back at the University of Hawaii at Mãnoa.