Bobby Ross out; Stan Brock in at Army
West Point, NY (Sports Network) - Bobby Ross' tenure as Army head football coach came to an end on Monday as he announced his retirement, and the Black Knights quickly named his replacement in Stan Brock.
Brock, who was the offensive line coach for the past three season under Ross, is the 35th coach in school history.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to serve as head coach at Army," said Brock. "I'm honored that the administration at the Academy offered me the position and thinks enough of me to lead this program. When you're at West Point, you're not only the head coach of the team, but you're also a role model for the Corps of Cadets. The Corps has to be able to connect with you and I think it's very important to have a good relationship with them."
Brock was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round in 1980 -- 12th overall -- and was an offensive tackle for the team for 13 years.
"I've been around some great coaches in my career and I think I bring a little bit of all of them into this new challenge," continued Brock. "I completely support coach Ross' vision for the program and intend to build upon the groundwork that he laid. We understand that we are 'America's Team' and one of the most widely recognized symbols of our Army."
Ross finished last season with a 3-9 record and in three seasons at the helm posted a 9-25 record overall. The Black Knights also lost to rival Navy all three seasons under Ross.
"I think there's a point in time when you feel like it's your time to retire, and I think I've reached that time," said Ross. "I think there is an issue of having a certain degree of energy, which I feel is very important for anyone leading a college football program. I feel that I was lacking in that area as well. I don't feel that it would be fair to our administration, our staff or our players, to give less than the full capacity the job requires."
Ross was hired in 2003 and replaced Todd Berry, who was fired mid-season after a disappointing 5-35 record in his four-year tenure with the Black Knights.
"I think a great deal of West Point, and I feel confident the program is in a very competitive state right now to the point our team can move on and play very competitively at the Division I-A level," Ross added.
Prior to joining Army, Ross was out of coaching following the 2000 campaign when he and the Detroit Lions parted ways midway through the season. In the NFL, Ross was 77-68, but his pro career was highlighted by leading the San Diego Chargers to their only trip to the Super Bowl after the 1994 season.
Ross also had great success at the college level prior to his tenure with Army, guiding Georgia Tech to an 11-0-1 record and a share of the national title in the 1990 season. In 18 collegiate seasons, Ross was 103-101-2 with The Citadel (1973-77), Maryland (1982-86) and Georgia Tech (1987-91).
West Point, NY (Sports Network) - Bobby Ross' tenure as Army head football coach came to an end on Monday as he announced his retirement, and the Black Knights quickly named his replacement in Stan Brock.
Brock, who was the offensive line coach for the past three season under Ross, is the 35th coach in school history.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to serve as head coach at Army," said Brock. "I'm honored that the administration at the Academy offered me the position and thinks enough of me to lead this program. When you're at West Point, you're not only the head coach of the team, but you're also a role model for the Corps of Cadets. The Corps has to be able to connect with you and I think it's very important to have a good relationship with them."
Brock was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round in 1980 -- 12th overall -- and was an offensive tackle for the team for 13 years.
"I've been around some great coaches in my career and I think I bring a little bit of all of them into this new challenge," continued Brock. "I completely support coach Ross' vision for the program and intend to build upon the groundwork that he laid. We understand that we are 'America's Team' and one of the most widely recognized symbols of our Army."
Ross finished last season with a 3-9 record and in three seasons at the helm posted a 9-25 record overall. The Black Knights also lost to rival Navy all three seasons under Ross.
"I think there's a point in time when you feel like it's your time to retire, and I think I've reached that time," said Ross. "I think there is an issue of having a certain degree of energy, which I feel is very important for anyone leading a college football program. I feel that I was lacking in that area as well. I don't feel that it would be fair to our administration, our staff or our players, to give less than the full capacity the job requires."
Ross was hired in 2003 and replaced Todd Berry, who was fired mid-season after a disappointing 5-35 record in his four-year tenure with the Black Knights.
"I think a great deal of West Point, and I feel confident the program is in a very competitive state right now to the point our team can move on and play very competitively at the Division I-A level," Ross added.
Prior to joining Army, Ross was out of coaching following the 2000 campaign when he and the Detroit Lions parted ways midway through the season. In the NFL, Ross was 77-68, but his pro career was highlighted by leading the San Diego Chargers to their only trip to the Super Bowl after the 1994 season.
Ross also had great success at the college level prior to his tenure with Army, guiding Georgia Tech to an 11-0-1 record and a share of the national title in the 1990 season. In 18 collegiate seasons, Ross was 103-101-2 with The Citadel (1973-77), Maryland (1982-86) and Georgia Tech (1987-91).
