Illinois Wesleyan University football coach Norm Eash will coach his final game this week, after announcing his retirement Sunday after 38 seasons as the Titans’ head coach.
Eash concludes his career with the most wins of any coach in IWU football history, winning 233 of the 365 games he coached. His led teams to nine conference championships and six NCAA Division III playoffs. The American Football Coaches Association designated him an “honorary member” in 2011 for his “devotion, dedication and distinguished service to the game of football.”
In a statement, Eash thanked his staff and the “many players who have worn the Titan uniform for putting their trust in me and believing in Illinois Wesleyan.”
In more than 70 years, IWU has had just two head football coaches.
"This commitment exemplifies who we are at IWU. We are excited for the opportunity to celebrate Coach Eash's lifelong contributions to Illinois Wesleyan as a student, student-athlete, coach, administrator and educator,” said president Sheahon Zenger, who was previously athletic director for Illinois State University.
"Thirty-eight years ago, a torch was passed to me from my coach and mentor Don "Swede" Larson," Eash said. "I was 32 years old and my dream and goal was to come back to my alma mater as the head football coach. They were big shoes to fill, but I had a very rewarding and tremendous journey.”
“Norm’s service to our University, both as a football coach and as the leader of the physical education department, has made an everlasting impact,” said athletic director Mike Wagner in a statement. “The traditions within our football program reach far past our campus as evidenced by the undeniable success of Norm’s coaching tree.”
Eash is originally from Chenoa, where he was captain of his high school football and basketball teams. And he was a Titan himself, starting as a sophomore defensive lineman. He graduated in 1975 as a starting offensive tackle. He coached high school football in Streator and Dwight prior to returning to IWU.
Eash will transition into a new role as senior advisor for Titan Traditions and Alumni Legacy at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
The 2024 Titan team currently has a 5-4 record. Coach Eash's last game against North Central College kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at Tucci Field on IWU's campus. The university will launch a nationwide search for a new coach at the end of the season.
