Ohio football coach Frank Solich steps down to focus on health

Ohio football coach Frank Solich, the winningest coach in Mid-American Conference history, is stepping down ahead of the 2021 season for health reasons, ESPN reported via an announcement from the school.

"After fifty-five years in coaching, including 16 at Ohio University, it is time for me to step away to focus on a cardiovascular health issue," Solich, 76, said in a statement. ESPN notes Solich's father died of heart failure in 2001.

Solich led the Bobcats to 11 bowl games and four MAC East titles in 16 seasons. Prior to Ohio, he served as a player and then coach at Nebraska, leading the Cornhuskers to a Big 12 championship in 1999. He ends his coaching career with a 173-101 record, 115 games of which he won with Ohio.

Offensive coordinator Tim Albin is slated to take over as head coach after already signing a new four-year contract with Ohio.

"I've appreciated the support of Bobcat fans over the years, and I know they will continue to support Coach Albin," Solich said.

"I am forever indebted to Coach Solich for all that he has offered me and taught me through the years," Albin said in a statement. "I know he will always be part of our program."