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The Ohio Bobcats capped off a historic college football season with a blowout win in the MAC Championship Game. Head coach Tim Albin led the program to its first league title since 1968, posting a conference best 10-3 overall record.
Before the team could return home to celebrate that victory, though, it was announced that Albin would be on the move. The coach, who’s been with the school for two decades, is reportedly headed to Charlotte.
Albin started as an offensive coordinator in Athens, OH in 2005 before landing the Bobcats’ head coaching gig in 2021. Across four seasons, he’s posted a 33-19 mark with three straight 10-win campaigns.
On Saturday, he continued those winning ways with a 38-3 shellacking of Miami (OH) in the MAC Championship. Albin called the game the most dominant performance he’s seen.
“Twenty years I’ve been at Ohio University. This is my sixth trip [to the MAC Championship],” he said after the game. “Has to be the best four quarters of football I’ve ever seen.”
Tim Albin reflected on a historic win as Ohio took down Miami to secure the first #MAC championship in 56 years.
“I’m so happy for this program and administration. There are so many people that are a part of this. We build champions.”https://t.co/qSOy2XfOnB pic.twitter.com/8Jl0xCZ9nr
— Chas Post (@chas_post23) December 7, 2024
The win avenged the Bobcats‘ lone conference loss after falling to the RedHawks 30-20 in October. Unfortunately for Ohio, the moment would soon be overshadowed by the coaching change announcement.
Hours after the championship win, it was reported that Tim Albin was headed to Charlotte. The 49ers are working towards a five-year deal with their new head coach after firing Biff Poggi earlier this year.
It’s 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥‼️
Welcome to Charlotte, @CoachAlbin!
📰 » https://t.co/2lzdBmOJNs#GoldStandard ⛏️ pic.twitter.com/xlq5rVkzbw
— Charlotte Football (@CharlotteFTBL) December 8, 2024
Given the timing, it seems Albin knew about his intentions to leave Ohio prior to the title game appearance. He apparently had no plans to stick around for championship festivities after the fact!
Ohio Head Coach Tim Albin was NOT present for the celebration on College Green amid rumors he’s taken the head coach job at Charlotte
— Grant Kiefer (@KieferMedia) December 8, 2024
That certainly puts a sour taste in the mouths of the Bobcats, who feel blindsided by the move. Tim Albin, meanwhile, has already made his way to Charlotte as he gets ready to lead the 49ers. He’s met with his new players in hopes of keeping the roster intact and is expected to be officially introduced early Monday afternoon.