January 2nd, 2025 3:00pm
CHICAGO – Roosevelt University Head Football Coach and Deputy Athletic Director Jared Williamson resigned Thursday. Williamson is departing the Lakers after 15 years to accept the role of Head Football Coach at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Roosevelt will immediately commence a national search for Williamson's replacement.
Roosevel press release
"I am deeply appreciative of the tireless work and dedication to our student-athletes Coach Williamson provided our institution," said Vice President of Athletics and Student-Athlete Success Mike Cassidy. "We shared the unique professional experience of program creation and his contribution to Roosevelt football is cemented in its foundation.
"I now look forward to building on this base in the search for new leadership of the Roosevelt football program. "
The only coach Roosevelt football has ever known, Williamson arrived from Illinois Wesleyan in 2010 to start the football program at Robert Morris University Illinois. He led the team under the Eagles nickname until the integration of Robert Morris and Roosevelt in 2019 season, which brought the football program under the Lakers moniker. Williamson led Roosevelt to a 24-21 record the last five seasons and collected a 73-68 overall record in 14 seasons.
"After 15 incredible years, including the privilege of building our football program from the ground up, my decision to resign and accept another opportunity comes with a heavy heart," Williamson said. "This moment is filled with immense gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and milestones our program collectively achieved.
"First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest thanks to the student-athletes, their families, and the dedicated coaches I have had the honor of working alongside." Williamson continued. "This program's success and growth would not have been possible without your unwavering commitment, effort, and belief in our vision. Together, we laid the foundation for a football program that now stands proudly as part of an athletic department competing in one of the finest NCAA Division II conferences in the country.
"I am especially grateful for the bonds I've built with our current players and alumni. These relationships have been the cornerstone of my experience, and I am proud of the strong community we've fostered. The memories we've created and the impact we've had on one another will remain with me always, and I look forward to continuing those connections in the years to come."