Charlotte 49ers fire Coach Will Healy after 1-7 start to season

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte 49ers fired head coach Will Healy on Sunday morning after the team’s rough 1-7 start to the season, the school announced.

The 49ers lost to Florida International on Saturday in their homecoming game by a score of 34-15. The loss eliminated the team from possible bowl consideration.

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Charlotte hired Healy in December 2018, the Charlotte Observer reports. In his first season, the 49ers went 7-5 to earn their first winning season in program history.

They made their first bowl game that season, losing to Buffalo 31-9 in the Bahamas Bowl. Since then, the 49ers have struggled.

Healy ends his time with the team with a 15-24 record.

Offensive line coach Pete Rossomando will serve as interim head coach, the 49ers announced. Rossomando is in his second season with the 49ers.

“We are grateful to Will Healy for the incredible energy and enthusiasm he brought to our program,” said Director of Athletics Mike Hill. “He made an impact here that will never be forgotten. Sadly, however, our on-field results have not met expectations. Will and his family are special people and we wish them the best.”

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Healy is the fourth Charlotte sports head coach to be fired this year. The other coaches fired from their teams include James Borrego of the Hornets, Miguel Angel Ramirez of Charlotte FC and Matt Rhule of the Carolina Panthers.

“I want to thank Mike Hill, Chancellor (Phil) Dubois and Chancellor (Sharon) Gaber for giving me the opportunity and support at this special place,” Healy said. “We were fortunate to have some special moments. I was able to work with some outstanding coaches and staff members and coach an incredible group of young men. I want to thank the students, boosters and fan base for the support they’ve shown over the years and I apologize for not being able to bring the results that we were striving for. I’m really proud of the young men in our locker room. I’m a 49ers fan for life and I know the future of this university is bright.”

The university is beginning a national search immediately, the team said.

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