SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – After a successful first season leading the Union College football program, head coach Jon Poppe has stepped down to accept the head coaching position at Columbia University, officials announced Friday.

"I could not be prouder of the many achievements of our student-athletes this past season and I am grateful for Jon's leadership of this group during a historic year," said Union Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin '93. "We appreciate the energy and effort that he brought to our campus on a daily basis, and the care he has shown to continue the strong tradition that is Union football. We wish him the best of luck in his new role."
 
Poppe's lone season in Schenectady was an impressive one, with the team posting a 10-2 record and reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the eighth time in program history. Poppe is the first Union football coach to reach the NCAA Tournament in his first season. He also set a record for wins in a season by a first-year Union head coach, surpassing the eight wins of Bill Smith in 1900 and the coach he is replacing at Columbia, Union Athletics Hall of Famer Al Bagnoli, in 1982.
 
"Although brief, I cannot be more grateful for my time at Union College," said Poppe. "I cannot thank President David Harris and Jim McLaughlin enough for affording me the opportunity to lead the football program. My family and I will cherish the memories we have made here forever. Union is a truly special place and my family and I will always be proud to rep the U!"
 
Under Poppe's direction, the Garnet Chargers started the 2023 season with six straight wins and outscored their first five opponents by an average of 45.0 points per game, led by a dominating defense that finished its season fifth in Division III by allowing only 224.9 yards per game and eighth with 11.4 points per game conceded. The team had 15 players named to the All-Liberty League teams, including five first-team selections.
 
"We remain confident in the direction of our team and expect to continue the progress made by our student-athletes both on and off the field this season," continued McLaughlin. "We look forward to finding the next leader of our football program."
 
A national search will begin immediately.