Rice Owls Hire Davidson’s Scott Abell as New Football Head Coach

Rice University is set to hire Scott Abell, the current head coach at Davidson College, as its new football head coach, according to sources close to the matter. This decision was announced on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Abell has had a successful tenure at Davidson, compiling a 47-28 record since his arrival in 2018 and leading the team to seven consecutive winning seasons.

Before joining Davidson, Abell was the head coach at Washington & Lee, where he posted a 39-24 record. His ability to achieve turnarounds and manage recruiting at institutions with high academic standards has been a significant factor in his appeal to Rice. Abell’s teams have consistently shown strong performance, including leading the FCS in scoring offense in 2023 and qualifying for three consecutive FCS Playoffs prior to the 2023 season.

Abell’s coaching career extends beyond college football; he has also been a successful high school coach in Virginia, winning multiple state championships. His experience and success in both high school and college levels have earned him a reputation as a “proven winner” who brings a unique and high-octane offense to the field.

Abell’s familiarity with recruiting players from Texas was also a key factor in his hiring, as he has successfully recruited players from the state during his time at Davidson. He replaces Mike Bloomgren, who was fired this season after a 24-52 record.