Washburn University’s football head football coach announces departure after 23-season tenure. Schurig’s departure comes as the program looks to reset following challenging seasons, including a 1–10 record in 2023 and a 2–5 start to 2024. This marks a pivotal transition for the Ichabods as they aim to reinvigorate their football legacy.
Schurig, who took over the program in 2002, leaves behind a storied legacy that includes a 140–107 overall record, an MIAA Championship in 2005, and multiple postseason appearances. Under his leadership, Washburn rose to prominence within the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), achieving consistent competitiveness and transforming the program into a regional contender. His influence extended beyond the field, fostering a culture that emphasized athlete development and academic success.
The coaching change reflects the broader challenges faced by the football program in recent years. While Schurig’s tenure brought significant highs, recent seasons have fallen short of expectations, prompting calls for new leadership. The next coach will inherit a program with a rich tradition but in need of strategic reinvention to reclaim its competitive edge.
The departure of Schurig has stirred mixed emotions among fans and alumni, who remember both the successes of his earlier years and the challenges of recent seasons. While his exit signals the end of an era, it also provides an opportunity for fresh leadership to guide the program forward. As the search begins the future of Washburn football hangs on this vital decision, with the hopes of the university community riding on a successful new chapter.
Saturday’s season-ending win has energized the program’s supporters, who see it as a symbolic opportunity to turn the page. As the team rebuilds, the new coach will face the dual challenge of honoring Schurig’s legacy while forging a fresh identity to revive the program’s competitive edge in the MIAA.
Washburn University now stands at a crossroads. The community, players, and alumni alike are left with a pressing question: Who will step up to lead the Ichabods into their next era of success?
