Head Football Coach Mark Speckman Resigns

By Robert McKinney
Athletics Communications Director
Willamette University

SALEM, ORE. -- Long-time Willamette University football Head Coach Mark Speckman, who has been with the Bearcats since being hired as the offensive coordinator in 1995, has resigned to take on a coaching position at another institution. A public announcement regarding his new position will be made on Thursday, Jan. 12. An updated story will be posted once additional information is available.

“It is with mixed emotions that I am leaving Willamette,” Speckman said. “I am really going to miss working with the outstanding football players on the team. I have been supported by exceptional assistant coaches and many caring alums. The football highlights, big games and great individual players are too numerous to list. I will always be thankful that Willamette gave me a chance to be their coach. It has been an honor.”

Speckman concludes his tenure as Willamette’s head coach with an overall record of 82-59 (.582) over 14 seasons. He ranks third at WU in career football victories. Including three years as offensive coordinator, Speckman helped Willamette earn a combined record of 110-64-1 (.631) over 17 seasons.

”Mark has been an incredible mentor, teacher and coach to hundreds of Willamette student-athletes,” said WU Athletic Director David Rigsby. ”While his football accomplishments are impressive, his off-the-field record is far more significant. From team community service projects to his individual guidance of countless Bearcat athletes, Mark has been a brilliant educator who used football to teach students about life.”

Within the next few days, Willamette will announce its plans for proceeding to fill the coaching vacancy left by Speckman's departure.