Malone University Head Football Coach Eric Hehman has resigned to accept the head coach position at Olivet Nazarene University.  Hehman had served as the Pioneers' head coach for the past six seasons, guiding the football program during Malone's transition to NCAA Division II membership.

Malone University Director of Athletics Charlie Grimes has announced that longtime Walsh University defensive coordinator and veteran Stark County coach Fred Thomas has been appointed head coach of the Pioneers. In addition to his 16 seasons at Walsh, Thomas' extensive coaching resume also includes time as the defensive coordinator at Youngstown State University and as the head coach at Girard, Alliance, and GlenOak High Schools. Thomas was a member of the Malone coaching staff during the 2015 season, serving as a defensive assistant.

"We are sad to see Eric leave the Malone family but are very happy for him as he enters this next phase of his career," said Grimes. "He was a strong Christian leader and touched the lives of his student-athletes throughout his time with us. Among his many accomplishments is the academic success our football players experienced during Eric's tenure."

Continued Grimes, "We are excited to begin a new chapter of Malone University football with Fred's appointment. He is one of the most experienced collegiate coaches in Northeast Ohio and he knows this market well from his extensive time coaching in Stark County. He is well respected throughout the region."

"Coach Thomas is one of the most loyal coaches that I have been around, and I have been around quite a few," said veteran collegiate football coach Jim Dennison, Thomas' boss at Walsh. "Fred will do a great job for Malone, the football program, and more importantly, their student athletes. He is a great person, leader, and a winner."

Thomas received his bachelor of science degree in education from Youngstown State in 1979 and his master's degree from Ashland University in 1994. Thomas and his wife, Mia, reside in North Canton with their son Ben and daughter Mollie.

The Pioneers are tentatively scheduled to open their 2016 campaign at home on Sept. 3 with a non-conference contest against Taylor University.