Creekside Sports: Mercer football coach Drew Cronic resigns

Mercer football coach Drew Cronic resigned Tuesday night and will become the offensive coordinator at Navy. Cronic took over the Mercer program in 2020 and went 28-17 in four seasons, including leading the Bears to their first-ever FCS playoff trip this season.

Mercer beat Gardner-Webb in the first round of the FCS playoffs before losing to eventual national champion South Dakota State.

"Coach Cronic has made great contributions to the Mercer football program, as well as to Mercer University, over the last four seasons," Mercer athletic director Jim Cole said. "We want to thank him for not only the impact that he has had on Mercer, but the entire Middle Georgia community. We wish him and his family the very best."

Mercer went 5-6 in Cronic's first season before improving to 7-3 in 2021 and finishing 7-4 in 2020. Mercer restarted its program in 2013 under Bobby Lamb, who was fired after the 2019 season.

The Bears have had five winning seasons since the program's return: 2013 (10-2), 2016 (6-5), 2021 (7-3), 2022 (7-4), 2023 (9-4).