Benson Resigns After 13 Years At Georgetown

Georgetown announced the resignation of football coach Bob Benson yesterday.

"We are grateful for Bob's service and guidance during his time here," Athletics Director Bernard Muir said in a statement released by the school. "We wish him well in his future pursuits."

Benson did not return phone messages. Muir declined to comment further.

Benson spent 13 years at Georgetown, compiling a 72-64 record. His most successful run came from 1995 to '99, when the Hoyas went 39-13 as a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. However, since Georgetown left the MAAC in 1999, the Hoyas have suffered six consecutive losing seasons -- one as an independent and the last five as a member of the Patriot League -- and won only five conference games. This year, they finished 4-7, 2-5.

In addition to moving to the Patriot League, the school has tried to upgrade its football program by improving its facilities. The first phase of the new Multi-Sport Facility opened this year. But it has yet to see corresponding results on the football field.

According to the school's news release, a national coaching search will begin immediately.

-- Kathy Orton