MACON, Ga. — UPDATE, Monday, November 25, 8:40 p.m.:
Former head coach Bobby Lamb released a statement about his departure on Instagram Monday evening:
"My time at Mercer has been an unforgettable experience, and I regret that I will not have the opportunity to continue to work with these incredible student-athletes. In 2011, I was tasked with the challenge to start a Division 1 program from scratch and I want to thank the players, coaches, and support staff for all of their hard work and support over the years. Your belief in what we have built together means everything. Secondly, I want to thank the Mercer fan base for supporting out team as we restarted this program and continued to build. Middle Georgia welcomed my family and I with open arms and for that we are grateful. Allyson and I are excited for what the future holds and are looking forward to the next chapter."
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Mercer football began the search for a new head coach Sunday, after firing former head coach Bobby Lamb.
Mercer announced the team was parting ways with Lamb, who brought football back to the campus after a 72-year hiatus following World War II. Lamb had a 40-39 record with the Bears after seven seasons.
"We have all worked side-by-side to start and grow the Mercer football program from a dream to an actual reality. Bobby Lamb shouldered the majority of that burden and workload in that process. We can never thank him enough," said Mercer Athletic Director Jim Cole, in a release.
Lamb was the 19th coach in the program's history and set a NCAA Division I record for wins by a first-year program in 2013, with a 10-2 season in his first campaign with the Bears. The 10-win season is also a Mercer football record.
Mercer will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.
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