Columbia hires retired Penn coach Al Bagnoli

Columbia has hired Al Bagnoli as its new football head coach, months after he retired following 23 seasons as the head coach at Penn. Bagnoli, 62, compiled a 148-80 record at Penn. His teams won nine Ivy League titles, including six undefeated Ivy League seasons and three perfect seasons. Penn finished 2-8 overall and 2-5 in the Ivy League during Bagnoli's final season.

Columbia has hired Al Bagnoli as its new football head coach, months after he retired following 23 seasons as the head coach at Penn, the school announced on Monday.

Bagnoli, 62, compiled a 148-80 record at Penn. His teams won nine Ivy League titles, including six undefeated Ivy League seasons and three perfect seasons. Penn finished 2-8 overall and 2-5 in the Ivy League during Bagnoli's final season.

Columbia's director of intercollegiate athletics and physical education Peter Pilling said the program is excited to add a coach as accomplished as Bagnoli.

• STAPLES: Proposed rule change drawing ire

“Al Bagnoli is one of the most successful coaches to ever work in the Ivy League. He is a proven winner whose record speaks for itself -- and who teaches his student-athletes to win on the field, in the classroom and in life,” said Pilling. “We are thrilled that he has decided to commit his widely admired leadership to building the long-term success of Columbia Football.”

Columbia finished 0-10 in each of the last two seasons. Head coach Pete Mangurian resigned in December after players alleged abuse. He had a 3-27 record in three seasons at the school.

Columbia has not had a winning season since 1996.

• Report: Big Ten ponders ineligibility for freshmen

- Paul Palladino