Saint Vincent fires football coach Aaron Smetanka, 2 assistants after 1-9 season
After a 1-9 season, Saint Vincent fired head football coach Aaron Smetanka along with offensive coordinator Sam London III and defensive coordinator John Bell, launching an immediate search for new staff members.
The remainder of the coaching staff was still listed on the school’s athletics website, but that does not mean they will be retained. In fact, in most cases, a new coach will bring in his own assistants.
“We are committed to assembling a coaching staff that will excel at developing the skills and character of our student-athletes,” athletic director D.P. Harris said in a news release. “As we embark on this search, we are confident we will find candidates with the vision and drive to move our program forward. We look forward to the next chapter in Saint Vincent football.”
Smetanka, a former standout quarterback at SVC, coached six seasons with the Bearcats, going 19-36.
This year, the Bearcats allowed 38.7 points per game, giving up 59 to Washington & Jefferson, 56 to No. 8 Grove City and Westminster and 69 to No. 18 Carnegie Mellon.
They finished 0-5 at Chuck Noll Field.
Saint Vincent averaged 10.4 points and 184.4 yards and allowed 433.3 yards a game.
The Bearcats last reached the postseason in 2021 under Smetanka, making the ECAC James Lynah Bowl and finishing 5-6.
They went 5-5 in 2022.
— Aaron Smetanka (@CoachSmetanka) November 14, 2024
Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.
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