Lunsford pens goodbye letter to GS community

‘College football is a business, but to us it truly was a family business.’

DJ Cadden, Sports Editor
October 6, 2021

Two days after being relieved of head coaching duties, Chad Lunsford released his first and only statement regarding his release.

“I have always felt that GS was more than a job,” wrote Lunsford. “Two separate stints and a total of 12 years, Statesboro has become our home.”

Lunsford’s dismissal came in the same weekend that defensive lineman Gavin Adcock chugged a beer on top of one of the famous yellow school buses, many were outraged at the disrespect of Georgia Southern traditions.

“The brotherhood and the traditions that coach Russell and Eagle greats started at GS was something we took very seriously as a staff,” said Lunsford. “Some mistakes were made, and for that, I am deeply sorry because that was never the intent.  We understood the expectations at GS. We embraced them and we worked to exceed them. Unfortunately, under my watch, we did not meet those expectations, and a change was made.”

Lunsford looked back on the Eagles 10-win season in 2018, reminisced on three straight bowl trips and savored the two bowl victories during his tenure.

“We are going to miss all the great things that come along with being part of GS football and  the Statesboro community,” Lunsford concluded. “However, our time here has come to an end. God orders our steps, new adventures await and much more impact is to be made.”

The full letter can be found on his Twitter page.

“GS University and Eagle nation,

We are thankful and grateful for the opportunity to have served at Georgia Southern. This place is very special to me and my family. Even though I never attended GS as a student, I have always felt that GS was more than a job. Two separate stints, and a total of 12 years, Statesboro has become our home. I never imagined that a small-town, son-of-a-stone-cutter, northeast-Georgia boy would get to be the head football coach at such a great university, when the opportunity presented itself. All I knew to do was trust God and GATA.

I can honestly say I gave everything I had, and most certainly had a “bad case of the wants”. My family poured into the university, the program and our GS men. College football is a business, but to us it truly was a family business. The brotherhood and the traditions that coach Russell and Eagle greats started at GS was something we took very seriously as a staff. We were intentional to teach our guys what it meant to be a GS eagle and a GS man. We promoted a brotherhood, honored traditions, and continued to build on both.

In no way would I, nor would I allow anyone to compromise those things. Some mistakes were made. And for that I am deeply sorry, because that was never the intent. We understood the expectations at GS. We embraced them and we worked to exceed them. Unfortunately, under my watch, we did not meet those expectations, and a change was made.

I have always believed I was the right man for the job, but as it turned out I was only the right man for the job at the right time. From out of the darkness of a 2-10 2017 season, we went 10-3 in 2018. Three straight bowl games, to bowl victories, to top 25 wins, and a nice dub on up the mountain. Energy was restored back into our proud program. All these accomplishments were because of our dedicated GS men that bought into the expectations and worked their butts off to make the university and fan base proud. 

We are so thankful for the guys, the staff in Georgia Southern University for what has been accomplished, and the loyalty to our family to the team. Coach Whitley and staff – finish (high fours). That starts this weekend, with the power of Paulson. 

We are going to miss all the great things that come along with being part of Georgia Southern football and the Statesboro community. However, our time has come to an end. God orders our steps, new adventures await and much more impact is to be made. 

God is great. all the time. Thank y’all. and GATA,

 Chad Lunsford.”