WORCESTER, Mass. - Holy Cross and head football coach Bob Chesney agreed to a new five-year contract extension, the school announced on Tuesday.

The new contract will keep Chesney at Holy Cross through the 2026 season.

“Worcester has become home for my family, and we are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue our time in this great community and at Holy Cross,” Chesney said in a released statement. “The young men and coaches in our program have lived out the vision we saw four years ago. Through their commitment and hard work, they have had a chance to see that vision all the way through to multiple championships – and our ambitions are set even higher for the years to come.”

Chesney has led Holy Cross to three Patriot League championships and three trips to the NCAA football championship subdivision playoffs in his four seasons as head coach.. 

Members of the football team have received 53 All-Patriot League selections over the last four years.

During the 2021 season, Chesney led the Crusaders to their third consecutive Patriot League title and FCS playoff berth. Holy Cross won its first FCS playoff game in program history. The team finished the season with a 10-3 record and went undefeated (6-0) in conference play.

The Crusaders also defeated a FBS opponent for the first time since 2002 with a season-opening victory over Connecticut on Sept. 4. 

Chesney was named the 2021 Patriot League Coach of the Year, while earning New England Coach of the Year honors from the New England Football Writers and the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston. In addition, he was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented to the national coach of the year.