Saint Francis head coach Rob Krimmel gestures during a First Four college basketball game against Alabama State in the NCAA Tournament, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

It didn’t take long for the fallout from Saint Francis’ move to Division III to begin.

Rob Krimmel, who guided the Red Flash for the past 13 seasons, retired from coaching Thursday.

Krimmel posted a record of 171-228, and on March 11, he led the Red Flash to their first Northeast Conference championship and NCAA berth in 34 years.

However, a week after Saint Francis played in a First Four game, losing 70-68 in the closing seconds to Alabama State, the school announced it was transitioning to Division III.

Krimmel admitted the reclassification, effective in 2026, influenced his decision. He, like all the coaches, was jolted with the news at a meeting Tuesday morning.

“The transition to Division III and the timing did play a part,” he said Thursday. “It did have an impact, but it wasn’t the only factor.”

Shortly after confirming Krimmel’s intentions, Saint Francis announced the promotion of associate head coach Luke McConnell.

“He’s the right person to take the institution into the next phase,” Krimmel said.

Krimmel isn’t sure of his next step – and his last day at SFU hasn’t been finalized – but he all but ruled out a return to college coaching.

“Right now, I have no idea (on future plans),” he said. “I’m going to surrender to God’s plan for me. I don’t want to say never, but I’m not exploring college coaching opportunities. My last days coaching college basketball will be at Saint Francis.”

Krimmel, 47, said the college sports landscape, particularly the transfer portal and NIL, caused him to reassess.

Prior to the DIII announcement, he thought he may have “one or two more years,” because his sons, Alex and Tommy, were approaching high school age.

“Having to hit the reset button every year and the turnover and the changes in the college athletics model were factors,” Krimmel said. “I tell recruits there were two things that would get me out of this seat — if they fired me or if my family had to take a back seat. And my kids are getting to the age where I’m missing more meaningful things. I wasn’t going to coach until I’m 60.”

The past two weeks have been an emotional whirlwind for the State College native, who arrived as a player in Loretto in 1996 and never left.

“It’s certainly been a roller coaster — a lot of highs, more highs than lows,” he said. “We were a week off from playing in the NCAA when we were informed we’re making the move into Division III. I’m glad our guys got to experience the joy of the NCAA Tournament.”

Krimmel served as an assistant coach from 2000 through 2012 before becoming head coach. His 171 wins are second in school history only to Skip Hughes (292).

All told, Krimmel was part of nearly 850 games on the SFU bench.

“Saint Francis will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said. “I am grateful for all of the people who have supported and impacted my journey as a student-athlete, a coach, a husband, a father, and a person. I will cherish the relationships that were built on and off the court as a result of my time in Loretto. Being the head coach of my alma mater was a tremendous honor.

“I’m at peace with the decision and excited for whatever is next,” he said. “I leave with a clear mind and clean heart. There is no animosity.”

The SFU administration praised Krimmel’s tenure.

“Coach Krimmel will forever be remembered for his Northeast Conference championship and March Madness run this year,” athletic director Jim Brazill said. “However … his impact on the lives that he has touched will be his legacy. The entire Red Flash community wishes all the best to Rob and his family.” 

Father Malachi Van Tassell, SFU president, added: “Coach Krimmel’s legacy at Saint Francis will forever be remembered for the profound impact he has had on our community. From student to coach to colleague, he has embodied the very best of what it means to be a Red Flash.”

McConnell follows in the footsteps of his father, Tom, who served as head coach of the Flash from 1992-99 and ranks as the third-winningest coach in team history with 85 wins.

McConnell, a 2012 SFU graduate, thanked Saint Francis’ brass.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be named the head coach at Saint Francis,” he said. “I would not be here without Rob Krimmel and his belief in me. I am so grateful to have worked under one of the best coaches in the country. I look forward to leading our student-athletes and representing this university and our great community.”

Brazill, who became Saint Francis’ AD earlier this month, expressed confidence in McConnell.

“I am confident Luke will continue to develop our young men on and off the court, and he will be a great ambassador for Saint Francis,” Brazill said. “His commitment and passion for the game, along with his love for the university, is a winning combination that will strengthen our basketball program and support our efforts to ensure student success in athletics and academics.”