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| At 3-5 in the MIAC under Mike Heffernan, with the conference's unbalanced schedule, St. Scholastica had its best year in 2024 in its new conference. Photo by Ryan Coleman, d3photography.com |
Mike Heffernan has stepped down from his position as head football coach at St. Scholastica to assume the same role at his alma mater, Elmhurst.
"During his tenure, Mike has been the heart and soul of our program, leading with passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Mike has been a mentor, role model, and inspiration to countless athletes, staff, alumni and members of our community," said CSS athletic director Jessica Cherry.
"We cannot thank Mike enough for the legacy he leaves behind, and while we will miss him on the sidelines, he will always be a valued member of the St. Scholastica family. Mike leaves behind a lasting impact that will continue to shape our program for years to come. We extend our deepest gratitude for his dedication and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter."
Heffernan completed his seventh season as head coach in 2024 and compiled a 16-32 record and ushered the Saints from the UMAC to the MIAC.
A 2007 graduate of Elmhurst, Heffernan returns to his alma mater after the Bluejays' previous head coach, Mike Murray, left the school to take a Division III coordinator job at Illinois Wesleyan.
"It is with great excitement we welcome Coach Heffernan back to Elmhurst as our new head football coach," said Elmhurst athletic director Glen Brittich. "When this search was started, we focused on looking for an individual who wanted to be ingrained in the fabric of Elmhurst University and support the holistic experience of our student-athletes. Throughout the interview process, it was very clear that Coach Heffernan is extremely student-athlete focused and extremely passionate about Elmhurst University."
Elmhurst went 3-7, 3-6 in CCIW play last season, the team's best overall or conference mark since 2016.
Heffernan began his collegiate career at Illinois State before transferring to Elmhurst in 2004. A standout defensive lineman and two-year starter for the Bluejays, Heffernan was a 2006 second team All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin selection.
Heffernan will begin his role as head football coach immediately.
"I am extremely excited to come home and rejoin the Bluejay family!" Heffernan said. "I want to say thank you to Dr. Brittich and the hiring committee for their diligence and hard work during this hiring process. I also want to thank president Troy VanAken for the support and opportunity, and thank him and his staff for the tireless work they do for Elmhurst University and its community," Heffernan said.
St. Scholastica promoted assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Matt Bremer to the head coaching role.