After guiding team to 1st NCAA Tournament berth in 34 years, Saint Francis' Rob Krimmel retires

Saint Francis men’s basketball coach Rob Krimmel has decided to retire from coaching, the university announced Thursday.

Krimmel, 47, led the Red Flash to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 34 years last week after Saint Francis won the NEC Tournament title. Saint Francis then lost to Alabama State, 70-68, in the First Four.

Luke McConnell, who just finished his first season as an associate head coach on Krimmel’s staff, was elevated to head coach.

Earlier this week, the university announced its athletics programs would be moving from Division I to Division III, starting with the 2026-27 school year. The school will compete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

“As Saint Francis transitions into a new era, it is time for me to step away as the head men’s basketball coach,” Krimmel said in a statement. “Over the course of the last few months, I understand more than ever that God has a plan for me. I have surrendered to that fact and I know that he will guide me to utilize my talents in a way that is pleasing to him.”

Krimmel was part of the Saint Francis program for 29 years as an athlete, assistant coach and head coach. He posted 171 wins in 399 games as a head coach. His teams also won the NEC regular-season title in 2018-19 and reached the NEC championship game four times (2016-17, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2024-25).

“Saint Francis will always hold a special place in my heart,” Krimmel said. “Being the head coach of my alma mater was a tremendous honor. Thank you to all of the student-athletes, families, coaches, support staff, administrators, alumni, friends and fans who devoted their time, energy and passion into the program and believed in what we were doing.”

Krimmel leaves Saint Francis as the program’s second-winningest head coach behind William “Skip” Hughes (292, 1945-66).

“From student to coach to colleague, he has embodied the very best of what it means to be a Red Flash,” said the Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, Saint Francis president. “His dedication, integrity and passion have left an indelible mark on this institution — we could not have asked for a finer representative of Saint Francis. We wish him nothing but the very best in this next chapter, and he will always remain a cherished friend of Saint Francis University.”

McConnell, who graduated from Saint Francis in 2012, is the son of former Saint Francis men’s basketball head coach Tom McConnell, who coached the Flash from 1992-99. He also has two aunts who were Division I women’s basketball coaches in Kathy McConnell-Miller (Colorado, Tulsa) and Suzie McConnell-Serio (Duquesne, Pitt).

“I am truly honored and humbled to be named the head coach at Saint Francis,” McConnell said in a statement. “I would not be here without Rob Krimmel and his belief in me. I am so grateful to have worked under one of the best coaches in the country. … I look forward to leading our student-athletes and representing this university and our great community.”

His cousin T.J., a Chartiers Valley grad, plays in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers.

Luke McConnell was a four-year letterwinner on the Saint Francis football team. He led the team in interceptions in 2010. He later served as the director of basketball operations for a season and was an assistant coach for three years before serving as the associate head coach for the 2024-25 campaign.

“I am confident Luke will continue develop our young men on and off the basketball court and he will be a great ambassador for Saint Francis University,” athletic director Jim Brazill said in a statement. “His commitment and passion for the game, along with his love for the university, is a winning combination that will strengthen our basketball program and support our efforts to ensure student success in athletics and academics.”