Rob Krimmel leaving Saint Francis

LORETTO (WTAJ) — Days after Saint Francis announced its intentions to move from Division I to Division III, head basketball coach Rob Krimmel resigned.
'Coach Krimmel's legacy at Saint Francis University will forever be remembered for the profound impact he has had on our community,' Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, Saint Francis President, said in a release.
St. Francis alumni shocked over athletics decision to move to Division III
Krimmel spent 29-years with the Red Flash. He started as a player in 1996, before serving as an assistant coach and eventually head coach for the past 13 seasons. This year, he led Saint Francis back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in more than 30-years.
'Saint Francis will always hold a special place in my heart,' he said. 'I am grateful for all of the people who have supported and impacted my journey as a student-athlete, a coach, a husband, a father, and a person. I will cherish the relationships that were built on and off the court as a result of my time in Loretto.'
Krimmel, who is just 47-years-old, plans to retire from coaching. He led SFU for 399 games, recording a 171-128 record. In 2019 the Red Flash won a regular season conference title, and this year they won the NEC Tournament title.
His announcement comes on the heels of Saint Francis's decision to move down to Division III beginning in 2026. In the days since a number of players have entered the transfer portal including leading scorer Riley Parker.
'As Saint Francis transitions into a new era, it is time for me to step away as the head men's basketball coach,' said Krimmel. 'Over the course of the last few months, I understand more than ever that God has a plan for me.'
'From student to coach to colleague, he has embodied the very best of what it means to be a Red Flash,' said Van Tassell. 'His dedication, integrity, and passion have left an indelible mark on this institution—we could not have asked for a finer representative of Saint Francis. We wish him nothing but the very best in this next chapter, and he will always remain a cherished friend of Saint Francis University.'
Saint Francis named associate head coach Luke McConnell as Krimmel's replacement.
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