Buffalo State College announced today that longtime football coach Jerry Boyes will return to the sidelines effective immediately while maintaining his current role as athletic director, which he assumed eight years ago. Boyes replaces Paul Shaffner who was relieved of his head football coaching duties this week.

Upon coming to Buffalo State in 1986, Boyes inherited a football program that was entering just his sixth season of varsity competition but transformed the Bengals into one of the premier Division III football programs in the Northeast. In 15 seasons at the helm of the program, he compiled an 89-62 overall record (.589 winning percentage) and qualified for the NCAA postseason seven seasons. In addition to being a three-time Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Upstate Coach of the Year, Boyes claimed CNN Division III Coach of the Year honors in 1995. He also recruited and mentored 12 All-Americans four Academic All-Americans during his illustrious coaching career.

“Jerry's football resume speaks for itself and we are excited that he will again pursue his passion for coaching,” said Hal Payne, Vice President for Student Affairs. “In turning to Coach Boyes, we seek to build on Paul's work and improve our record on the field.”

Shaffner will continue his work with the athletic department's external affairs division. Shaffner amassed a record of 13-36 in five seasons since assuming control of the program in 2004, including posting a 1-9 record in 2008.

“Coach Shaffner has accomplished a great deal in his career at Buffalo State College,” Boyes said. “I have witnessed a positive change in the approach and attitude in both players and coaches involved with the football program. The team has begun to exhibit the discipline and unity necessary to achieve success.”