ITHACA, N.Y. – Ithaca College announces that head football coach Michael Toerper will depart South Hill to accept the defensive coordinator position at Cornell University. Toerper has led the Bombers for the past four seasons, marking one of the most successful stretches in recent program history.
 
"We are grateful for Mike's leadership and the competitive excellence he brought to our football program," said director of intercollegiate athletics Aaron Bouyea. "Under his guidance, the Bombers achieved championship-level success, developed numerous award-winning student-athletes, and continued to raise the standard of Ithaca College football. We wish him all the best in this next opportunity."
 
"I am incredibly grateful for my time at Ithaca College and for the opportunity to lead this program," said Toerper. Showing up to work every day to do our very to develop these excitable young men has been a privilege. The seven seasons we've spent here has created some of the fondest memories that my family and I will ever experience. I deeply appreciate all the effort and sacrifice from everyone who has helped this program accomplish great things together. The future is bright on South Hill and we will always be supporting the Bombers!"

As he transitions to his new role, Toerper leaves IC football in a strong and healthy position. Over the past four seasons, the program has built sustained momentum—on the field, in recruiting, and in student-athlete development. The Bombers are well-positioned for continued success as they enter this new chapter.

Since being named the program's 11th head coach in 2022, Toerper guided Ithaca to two Liberty League championships, a quarterfinals appearance in the NCAA postseason, and an undefeated regular season (the first in nearly 40 seasons) in his first year at the helm. That historic 2022 campaign included a 12–1 record, an outright Liberty League title, and a memorable Cortaca Jug victory at Yankee Stadium. Toerper would go on to be named AFCA Region 1 Coach of the Year, as well as D3football.com Region 2 Coach of the Year and Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year.
 
During his tenure, Toerper posted the best overall winning percentage of any head coach in the program's history at 35-10 (.778), including a 23-2 mark within Liberty League play. Seven student-athletes were named Liberty League Players of the Year under the guidance of Toerper, while the Bombers snagged six All-America honors over the past four seasons. Most notably of that group, 2023 graduate Derek Slywka signed a free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts and is currently playing with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League.
 
In 2023, the Bombers repeated as Liberty League champions and secured a postseason berth with a 9-3 record. This fall, the program posted an 8-2 record that culminated with a victory in the 66th Cortaca Jug Game, which was the first win for IC in the storied rivalry since 2022.

Prior to serving as head coach on South Hill, Toerper was the defensive coordinator for the Bombers from 2017-19. Ithaca posted eight wins in each of his three seasons as coordinator and three defensive players were named All-Americans, including Pat Minogue, who was also named Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year.

In his seven seasons at Ithaca College, the Bombers' defense never allowed more than 20 points per game (78 contests) in a season and ranked within the top 25 nationally in that category five different times.
 
A national search for the next head coach of the Ithaca College football program will begin immediately.