Bernard resigns as football coach

After serving on the Stags football coaching staff since its inaugural season in 1996, Joe Bernard resigned last Thursday as Fairfield’s head coach.

Bernard leaves the Stags to become the offensive coordinator at MAAC-rival Duquesne next season.

Director of Athletics Eugene Doris was somewhat surprised at Bernard’s decision to leave the university.

“I was a little surprised. But anytime you come to a contract term (December 31), you always know people are searching for what they are thinking of doing in the future,” Doris said.

Bernard, who just finished his second year as Fairfield’s head coach after serving as the team’s defensive coordinator, officially left the university Friday and was not available for comment.

However, Bernard said in a press release that he was thankful to Doris and Rev Aloysius P. Kelley, the university’s president, for the opportunity to coach a college football program.

“This was a very difficult decision because of the unwavering support that has been given to the football program and me during my tenure at Fairfield,” said Bernard in the press release.

Team captain and quarterback, Mike Cerchio ’03, was shocked to hear of Bernard’s departure.

“We were all definitely surprised. But its kind of hard to pass up such a good opportunity,” Cerchio said. “We all wish him the best of luck. I was in total shock to see him go, but it’s what’s best for him.”

Bernard, a Pennsylvania native, will take over Duquesne’s offensive play calling after building the foundation for Fairfield’s defense that has become one of the nation’s best amongst Division I-AA schools.

“He brought a rock solid ability to coach defense. There’s no question to that,” Doris said. “I don’t think the program would have reached the level it has – winning the MAAC, and consistently amongst the top four in the conference – if not for what he had done with both his recruiting and his ability to coach.”

Bernard’s tenure at Fairfield wasn’t without controversy. In November 2001, Bernard was arrested for a DUI incident when he crashed his vehicle into five parked cars in his hometown of Penn Argyle, Penn.

“There were issues. There’s no question. But every coach has issues,” Doris said. “In fairness to him, I think he did everything we asked him to do. He reacted very well to even some adverse situations.”

The abrupt departure of Bernard, however, will take its toll on the program’s recruiting process this year.

Doris said that he has been flooded with interested candidates for the position, but no deadline has been set for the hiring. Doris also said that no current members of the Stags coaching staff have expressed interest in the position.

After the disbandment of MAAC football programs at Canisius and St. John’s this year, Doris admits there’s never any certainty how long any program will exist at all universities.

“Anything is possible. You can’t say never about anything with regard to any athletic program,” Doris said. “Sometimes we think we’re immune to what happens economically in society. Decisions have to be made where you have to make cuts.”