Jan. 21, 2003

Lehigh offensive coordinator Dave Cecchini has accepted a similar position at Harvard University. Cecchini will join tenth year head coach Tim Murphy in the Harvard football program.

Cecchini has spent the last two seasons as Lehigh's assistant head coach, and the last three as the Mountain Hawks' offensive coordinator. During the last three years, the Lehigh offense has proven to be one of the prolific in the nation.

In each of the last three seasons, the Mountain Hawks have averaged more than 350 yards of total offense and over 26 points per game in posting 31 wins. Over that time span, Lehigh posted a 31-6 record and captured two Patriot League championships.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to be associated with Lehigh as a student, an athlete, and a coach," Cecchini said. "I feel blessed to have been a part of the Lehigh football program and the success it has achieved over the years. The decision to leave was not an easy one; I will miss Lehigh, the players, and the coaching staff."

"Dave is a close friend, and an excellent football coach," said Lehigh head coach Pete Lembo. "It has been a pleasure to work with him for over five years, and I appreciate his contributions to our program's success."

Cecchini looks to join the ever-growing list of Lehigh assistants who have gone on to have successful careers elsewhere. For the last three seasons, Andy Coen has been the offensive coordinator at Pennsylvania, after spending six years at the helm of Lehigh's offense.

Prior to Coen's tenure at Lehigh, Dave Clawson spent three seasons as Lehigh's offensive coordinator. He currently serves as head coach of the Patriot League champion Fordham Rams. A 1994 graduate of Lehigh, Cecchini has spent the last nine seasons as a member of Lehigh's coaching staff.

As a receiver at Lehigh, he was named a First Team All-American by both the Associated Press and the Sports Network. In his senior campaign, Cecchini established new Lehigh and Patriot League records for receptions (88), pass yardage (1,318), and touchdown receptions (15). That year, he also led the nation in receiving. Cecchini received his B.A. in Marketing from Lehigh in 1994.

"Dave's departure presents an opportunity for us to attract a quality replacement on the offensive side of the ball," Lembo explains. "We are fortunate to have the resources, tradition and national visibility to add an outstanding coach and educator to our coaching staff."

Lehigh - which has won four Patriot League titles in the last five seasons - will begin its search for a replacement immediately.