Cornell won 11 games over the past two seasons under Dan Pifer. Cornell athletics file photo

Dan Pifer will not return as Cornell College's head football coach after leading the program the past five seasons, athletic director Jeff Meeker announced Tuesday.

"We are grateful to Coach Pifer for his efforts during his time here at Cornell and wish him the best moving forward," Meeker said. "We remain committed to building a football program that will provide our student-athletes with the best possible college experience, on and off the field, and contend for Midwest Conference championships."

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Defensive coordinator Mike Juscik will serve as interim head coach. He has been on Cornell's staff since 2020. Juscik carries nearly 30 years of football coaching experience, including eight as a head coach and 16 as a coordinator.

"I'm excited for this opportunity. Having been part of the process here the past four seasons, I look forward to continuing to expand our roster and the growth of the program, on and off the field," Juscik said. "We're going to build on the success of the last couple seasons and ensure that our players receive an outstanding four-year degree at Cornell College."

A national search for a permanent head coach will begin immediately.

The Rams finished 5-5 last season and placed fifth in the MWC with a 5-4 record. The 2023 Rams posted a winning 6-4 season and tied for third place in the MWC (6-3).

Cornell compiled an 18-22 record during Pifer's stay on the Hilltop.

Pifer was hired in December 2019 as Cornell's 15th head football coach. The team did not compete in his initial 2020 season due to the pandemic.