BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford Head Football Coach Pat Sullivan has decided to step down from his position and move into another role within the University immediately, the school announced Tuesday.
 
Sullivan, the 1971 Heisman Trophy winner as a player at Auburn, recently completed his eighth season as Samford's head football coach. He is the program's all-time leader in career wins. He has led the team to four-straight winning seasons for the first time since 1999, and the Bulldogs have won at least seven games for three-straight seasons for the first time since 1962.
 
In 2013, Sullivan led the Bulldogs to their first Southern Conference championship since joining the league in 2008. The team also earned the program's first bid to the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs since 1992.
 
In addition to his successes on the field, Sullivan has excelled at developing student-athletes and making a positive impact on the lives of his players. Throughout his time on the coaching staffs at Auburn, TCU, UAB and Samford, Sullivan has mentored young men for nearly 30 years.
 
During the 2014 season, Samford renamed its football field house the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House to honor Sullivan, his wife Jean and their family.
 
Sullivan will now serve as Samford President Dr. Andrew Westmoreland's Special Advisor for Campus and Community Development where he will, among other things, serve as a University ambassador working to extend Samford's reach in the state of Alabama and beyond.
 
Below are statements from Coach Sullivan, Dr. Westmoreland and Samford Director of Athletics Martin Newton.
 
 
Pat Sullivan Statement
"Effective today, I am transitioning out of my role as Head Coach of the Samford Bulldogs.  I will immediately assume a position as President Westmoreland's Special Advisor for Campus and Community Development."
 
"This is not a decision I've taken lightly.  A head coach never likes to think about stepping down, particularly me.  I've always been a competitor and that spirit never fades.  I love my job and I love this University.  I have loved working with Samford's young men, helping them grow as football players, as student-athletes and spiritually.  I am so thankful to each and every one of my players and their families for allowing me to be a part of their lives."
 
"The past couple of years have been difficult.  I've been dealing with health issues; more than I would have liked.  Our young men have never blinked.  This coaching staff never blinked.  I am so proud of each and every member of the Samford football program."
 
"Coaching is a grind. Right now I need more balance in my life.  I need to pay more attention to my health and I want to spend more time with Jean, my children and grandchildren.  I owe that to them.  But I'm not done working and I'm not leaving Samford."
 
"Dr. Westmoreland has always been supportive of the Samford football program and of me.  He and I share a vision for Samford's future and will continue to work side by side to make it happen.  We've been in this together from day one and we'll have a special relationship forever.  Jean and I can't thank him enough for his leadership, friendship and spiritual support."
 
"The search for my successor will start immediately.  I will be actively involved in that process and will do all that I can to make sure Samford gets the best head coach possible – the right man and the right fit for this special place."
 
"I am so thankful for the entire Samford family and love this University.  Thank you for the opportunity to have served as your head football coach.  Now, on to the future!  Go Bulldogs!"
 
 
Samford President Dr. Andrew Westmoreland Statement
"In an age in which public figures so often disappoint us, it is refreshing and inspirational to reflect on the long and successful career of Pat Sullivan. As I have grown close to Pat in the years since he became Samford's Head Football Coach in 2006 and as I have seen him in some of the highest and lowest moments of life, proximity has only enhanced my profound respect for him."  
 
"In every sense, he is exactly as he appears to be: a person of intelligence, persistence, wisdom, good humor, with an impenetrable core of ethics that is rooted in a vibrant faith.  He cares deeply about his family and his student-athletes. He is respectful of every person he encounters.  I am grateful beyond words for his service to Samford over the past eight years, and I look forward to continued association with him and with Jean as we seek to provide greater experiences for our students now and in the years ahead."
 
Samford Director of Athletics Martin Newton Statement
"How do you say thank you to someone who has meant so much to so many? Words cannot express the gratitude the Samford Family has for Pat Sullivan. He is the epitome of character and integrity. He is a true teacher that leads by example and has taught us all to love God, our family and each other on a daily basis."
 
"I have yet to find anyone who has a negative word to say about Coach Sullivan. He transcends the football field and shows us that relationships really do matter. I look forward to continuing to learn from Pat in his new role with the University and can't thank him enough for his commitment and service to Samford University."
 
"He is . . . Samford Strong!"