Monarchs

NCAAF Old Dominion Monarchs

NCAA Division: Division I
Conference: Sun Belt
Past Conferences: Colonial Athletic Association(2011-2012). Conference USA(2014-2022).

City: Norfolk, Virginia

Stadium: S.B. Ballard Stadium

National Championships:

Conference Titles:

Divisional Championships: 1

Team History

Tommy Scott was the first coach at Old Dominion in 1930. Scott had a winning record from 1930-1940. Unfortunately, due to issues with debt and accreditation, the program was discontinued.

The Monarchs went over 60 years without a football team. In 2005, the board agreed to bring football back to Old Dominion. The team would begin to play in 2009 and Bobby Wilder was named head coach. They would compete as independents in the FCS division. In Wilder’s first two seasons, the Monarchs finished with a 17-5 combined record. In 2011, the Monarchs joined the Colonial Athletic Association. They finished with a 10-3 overall record and a 6-2 conference record. Additionally, they made the second round of the FCS playoffs. In 2012, the Monarchs finished 11-2 overall and made the FCS quarterfinals in the playoffs.

Making the Jump to FBS

In 2014, the Monarchs made the jump to FBS and joined Conference USA. Their first two seasons were average with 6-6 and 5-7 finishes. In 2016, the Monarchs finished 10-3 overall and 7-1 in conference play. They finished tied for first in their division. Additionally, they made their first bowl game appearance. They were invited to the Bahamas Bowl, where they beat Eastern Michigan 24-20. The period comprising 2017-2019 was underwhelming. However, in 2018 they made history by beating Virginia Tech. It was the Monarch’s first time beating a ranked team. Wilder resigned in 2019.

Ricky Rahne has been the head coach since 2020. In 2021, the Monarchs finished 6-7 overall and 5-3 in conference play. Their 5-3 conference record was good enough to finish third in their division. Additionally, they were invited to the Myrtle Beach Bowl, where they fell to Tulsa.