By Mark Pszonak
The big news out of FAU yesterday was that head coach Tom Herman fired, but a more interesting story is that interim head coach Chad Lunsford decided to rehire Roc Bellantoni. That is the same Bellatoni who had been fired last week by Coach Herman.
Bellantoni, the defensive coordinator for the Owls, now looks to have been a last gasp effort by Herman to save his job. Obviously, that didn’t work though, and Coach Lunsford remedied the situation by bringing Bellantoni back.
A unique update at Florida Atlantic: Roc Bellantoni is being rehired as defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN, and will work under interim coach Chad Lunsford. Sources said Bellantoni's return isn't at all a poor reflection on Brandon Harris, who did good work as interim DC.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) November 18, 2024
Coach Bellantoni announced his return soon after in one of the more entertaining posts of the college football season
Keep Tappin! #SPEAR 11As1 pic.twitter.com/O2NrmUXeG3
— Roc Bellantoni (@CoachRoc) November 18, 2024
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Even Coach Bellantoni’s wife got involved in the fun after his unexpected return to FAU.
Ummmmm…so you’re not picking me up from work today I guess!?🤣😉 #weback https://t.co/hBZdXSUlqY
— Jenny Bellantoni (@Bellantonij) November 18, 2024
It is safe to assume that the inner workings around the football offices at FAU were quite toxic leading up to Coach Herman’s firing. And while the 2024 season on the field will soon be forgotten in Boca Raton, the story of the coach who was fired and rehired a week later will live on.
