A major coaching shift is underway at Bucknell. After seven seasons at the helm, sources indicate head coach Dave Cecchini has been told he will not return to the program in 2026.
The decision follows a 5-7 record in 2025, a year that began with wins over Marist and VMI to move the team to 2-1 after an opening loss to Air Force. Bucknell later defeated Saint Francis, Richmond, and Fordham to close strong stretches.
Cecchini took Bucknell’s reins in 2019, having previously led Valparaiso for five seasons. Notably, during the 2021 spring season he earned Patriot League Dick Biddle Coach of the Year honors for guiding Bucknell to the inaugural Patriot League Championship Game. He was also a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, which honors the FCS Coach of the Year, then presented by STATS. Cecchini was a similar finalist in 2017 while at Valpo.
The 2024 Bucknell squad made history for the program, finishing third in the Patriot League—their best finish since 2019. The Bison shattered several single-season Bucknell records, including passing completions, passing yards, touchdown passes, passing yards per game, total yards, and total points.
Just five days ago, Bucknell announced the signing of a strong class of eight early commitments, featuring three offensive linemen, three defensive backs, a defensive lineman, and a wide receiver.
Cecchini’s tenure at Valparaiso ended after the 2018 season, when he departed with a 17-38 record to pursue the Bucknell opportunity, where he ultimately went 24-48. Before taking head coaching duties, he built productive offenses as the offensive coordinator at Harvard (FCS – MA), The Citadel (FCS), and Lehigh (FCS – PA).
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