Tom Anstutz to step down as head caoch at the end of the 2008 season.
Toledo, OH (Sports Network) - University of Toledo head football coach Tom Amstutz announced on Monday that he will step down from the post effective at the end of the 2008 season.
Amstutz is set take a position with the school as director of special projects for the alumni relations office, which is slated to begin in January.
"I felt the time was right for me to announce that I will be passing the torch at the end of the season and moving on to some new challenges," Amstutz said. "I love the University of Toledo and have enjoyed my eight seasons as head football coach."
The 53-year-old has led the Rockets to a 2-6 record this season -- which includes a 13-10 victory at Michigan on October 11. Toledo has not posted a winning record since going 9-3 in 2005, and has finished the last two seasons with identical 5-7 marks.
"Tom Amstutz has been one of the most successful football coaches in the history of Toledo football, and he leaves behind a legacy of tremendous accomplishments on the field," noted athletic director Mike O'Brien.
A 1977 graduate from Toledo, Amstutz was named the school's 24th head football coach on December 12, 2000. In his first season in 2001, he guided the team to a MAC championship and a Motor City Bowl victory and a final ranking in the top 25.
Toledo also won the MAC championship in 2004 and appeared in two more bowl games: the Motor City Bowl in 2004 and the GMAC Bowl in 2005.
In all, Amstutz has compiled a 57-38 record with the school. After an open date this Saturday, his tenure will end with contests against Akron, Western Michigan, Miami-Ohio and Bowling Green.
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