BUENA VISTA, Va. – Southern Virginia University Vice President and Athletics Director Deidra Dryden today announced the university's decision to part ways with head football coach Ed Mulitalo.

"We're thankful for all of Coach Ed's efforts on behalf of our university, its football program, and our student-athletes, and we wish him success in all of his future endeavors," said Dryden. "It's always difficult to make a leadership change but we felt this was the right time to move in a new direction and build on the foundation that Coach Ed and others have helped build here at our university."

Hired in 2018, Mulitalo led Knights football to an 11-33 record during his five years at the program's helm, including a 1-9 finish to the 2022 season. Current Defensive Coordinator Nate Lealao and Offensive Coordinator Patrick Hofmann will serve as interim coaches for football while the university immediately launches a national search for a new head coach. 

"I have loved every minute coaching and leading this team," said Mulitalo, who played ten seasons as a lineman in the NFL and won a 2001 Super Bowl Championship as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. "I wish we could have had more success, but I'm excited to see the direction of the program under a new head coach, who will bring a unique and dynamic energy to the team."