CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah University's football program celebrated a fantastic Homecoming last Saturday, adding to the excitement when Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald secured his 100th career coaching victory. The Thunderbirds put on a show with a 42-21 win over Eastern Kentucky, a performance that was as much a testament to their talent as it was to Fitzgerald's leadership. This victory is a key milestone in a career built on turning struggling programs into winners, and it represents the remarkable progress Fitzgerald has fostered in just three seasons in Cedar City.

Coach Delane Fitzgerald Said

"I've been fortunate to have strong support from the administration at every place I've coached and to work alongside some incredible people, including talented assistant coaches who have played a key role in reaching this milestone. I also want to thank all the players who have given their all over the years – we wouldn't have achieved this without them." 

Building a Winning Culture at Southern Utah

When Fitzgerald took over the Southern Utah football program in 2021, the Thunderbirds were far from their winning ways. The team had not had a winning season since 2017 and was struggling to find its footing in the competitive landscape of college football. Fitzgerald's arrival sparked a culture change, and his relentless work ethic and belief in his players' potential have been evident from the start.

In his first year at Southern Utah, Fitzgerald guided the Thunderbirds to a 5-6 overall record, a significant improvement, especially considering the team's recent history. That season served as a foundation for the success that would follow as Fitzgerald's vision for the program began to take shape. His efforts bore fruit in 2023 when the Thunderbirds posted their first winning season in six years, going 6-5 overall and finishing 4-2, in a tie for second place in their debut year in the United Athletic Conference (UAC). This resurgence was a morale boost for the players and fans and signaled Southern Utah's growing competitiveness within the conference.

The 2024 season has been a continuation of this upward trajectory. Under Fitzgerald's leadership, the Thunderbirds claimed a signature victory earlier this year by defeating UTEP 27-24 in El Paso. The win marked SUU's first triumph over an FBS opponent since 2013 and demonstrated the team's growing confidence and capability. This milestone highlights Fitzgerald's influence on the program and the relentless pursuit of progress he instills in his players, who are consistently charged with becoming one percent better each day. 

A Proven Track Record of Success

Fitzgerald's ability to turn programs around is not a new narrative. Before joining Southern Utah, he had already built a reputation as a coach who could revive struggling teams and establish a winning culture. His success story began long before Cedar City, with a remarkable eight-year tenure at Frostburg State University in Maryland. When Fitzgerald took the reins at Frostburg State in 2014, the Bobcats had endured eight consecutive losing seasons. He led the team to a 6-4 record in his second season at the helm, breaking the cycle of defeats.

Over the next several years, Fitzgerald transformed Frostburg into a powerhouse. The Bobcats enjoyed four double-digit win seasons under his leadership, secured two New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) championships, and made multiple NCAA Division III playoff appearances. Fitzgerald's Frostburg teams also seamlessly transitioned to NCAA Division II competition, winning a Mountain East Conference championship in 2021, his final season with the Bobcats. His leadership and success earned him Coach of the Year honors three times and an induction into the Frostburg State Hall of Fame in 2023 as the winningest coach in program history.

Fitzgerald's impact goes beyond winning records. His ability to develop talent is another hallmark of his career. At Frostburg State, eight of his players earned All-American honors, and he consistently recruited and developed athletes who thrived not only on the field but also off it.

Before his time at Frostburg, Fitzgerald was the head coach at Southern Virginia University, where he engineered a similar turnaround. After inheriting a program that struggled in its early years, Fitzgerald led Southern Virginia to an 8-2 record in 2013, finishing as the top-ranked team in the USCAA Coaches Poll. Fitzgerald has the most wins of any coach in the SVU program history. 

A Bright Future for the Thunderbirds

Now in his third year at Southern Utah, Fitzgerald's 100th career win is just one chapter in what appears to be a bright future for him and the Thunderbirds. With 14 wins already under his belt at SUU, including the landmark victory over UTEP, Fitzgerald has rejuvenated the program and renewed the fanbase's optimism. His commitment to building a competitive team in Cedar City is evident in the way the Thunderbirds have been able to compete against top-tier opponents.

The transformation goes beyond just the wins and losses. Fitzgerald's ability to build trust and camaraderie within his team has led to improved performances on the field and greater expectations off it. His long-term vision for the program involves not only winning games but also developing student-athletes who excel academically and grow personally during their time at SUU.

Looking Ahead

As the Thunderbirds continue their 2024 campaign, Coach DeLane Fitzgerald's 100th win is a moment to reflect on his accomplishments while looking ahead to the next chapter of his career. His proven ability to develop a winning culture, build strong relationships, and elevate the performance of his teams makes him a perfect fit in the Cedar City community. With more milestones likely on the horizon, the future of SUU football under Fitzgerald's leadership is brighter than ever.

For now, though, Fitzgerald and his team will focus on maintaining their momentum heading into the back half of the season. With eyes set firmly on securing a conference championship and continuing their rise in the national ranks, the Thunderbirds still have five games remaining in the 2024 campaign. Though the 100-win mark is behind him, the journey is far from over for Southern Utah's head coach and his thriving football program.

Next Up

The Thunderbirds will be on bye this week before traveling to West Georgia to take on the Wolves in a UAC conference showdown. The game will take place on October 26 and kicks off at noon MT. You can watch it live on ESPN+. 

The Coaches Show

Don't forget to catch the Thunderbird Coaches Show this Monday at 6:00 p.m. MT. You can watch it on YouTube or listen to it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 

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