When men’s cross country practice begins at UMass this fall, for the first time since 1966, it won’t be Ken O’Brien leading it.
UMass announced Friday that O’Brien, a 1963 alum of the school, would be given the honorary title of coach emeritus, but that he’d no longer be handling the day-to-day operations of the program.
“In grateful recognition of 50-plus years of service as a UMass student-athlete and coach, we are proud to announce Ken as the first-ever Coach Emeritus for UMass Athletics,” Athletic Director Ryan Bamford said in a statement released by the athletic department. “Ken’s dedication to UMass is simply remarkable. His many lasting contributions to the academic and competitive success of our student-athletes and the countless men and women he has positively affected through his teaching and coaching is a profound legacy. We are happy to have Ken remain involved in our program as Coach Emeritus.”
In the same release, O’Brien said he’ll still be around the program.
“I am honored to become the first Coach Emeritus for the University of Massachusetts,” O’Brien said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to help our cross country and track and field teams in every way that I can. Coaching, for me, has been made special by all the relationships developed over the years with our student-athletes. I’ve found great fulfillment in this profession by working with them during their collegiate years and then continuing that bond as they progress through life.”
Associate coach David Jackson has been hired to replace him.
“David is the perfect candidate to continue the success that the UMass men’s track and field and cross country programs have seen under Coach O’Brien,” Bamford said. “As associate head coach, David has been involved in every aspect of our men’s and women’s programs and is ready to step in to this prominent leadership role. We look forward to working with David and women’s director Julie LaFreniere as they build championship-caliber programs at UMass.”
Jackson was eager for the opportunity.
“I’d like to thank both Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford and Coach O’Brien for this opportunity to build upon the great tradition here at UMass,” Jackson said. “The privilege of being mentored by Coach O’Brien over the past eight years has provided lessons and experiences that will serve us all well in my new role. My goal will be to continue fostering a culture of mentorship for our outstanding student-athletes as we compete for prominence at the conference, regional and national levels.”
O’Brien is UMass’ third longtime coach to hang up the whistle this spring. Baseball coach Mike Stone and tennis coach Judy Dixon also retired.
Jackson is UMass’ first African-American head coach since Bruiser Flint was fired as men’s basketball coach following the 2000-2001 season.
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage