QU relieves defensive coordinator Sean Kelly of duties after Hawks struggle

QUINCY — The fact the Quincy University football team’s defense led all of NCAA Division II in turnovers created suggests the Hawks were stout defensively.

All the other statistics tell a much different story.

It’s why there will be a change in leadership on that side of the ball.

Defensive coordinator Sean Kelly was relieved of his duties Monday, two days after the Hawks wrapped up a 4-7 season in which they endured a five-game losing streak that saw four of those opponents score 47 or more points.

Kelly has been part of the QU for the past 11 seasons, starting as a graduate assistant before being hired as the linebackers coach. In 2017, he was named the defensive coordinator and took over duties as the recruiting coordinator.

During his tenure, Kelly coached two All-American linebackers — Dan Camp and Cody Leonard — as well as twice having three linebackers earn All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honors in the same season. Junior linebacker Peyten Chappel, who led the Hawks this fall with 95 tackles and five interceptions, is expected to receive postseason honors.

Even with Chappel in the middle of the defense, the Hawks struggled to consistently stop anyone.

Of the 163 NCAA Division II teams, the Hawks ranked:

• 161st in total defense, allowing 512.9 yards per game;

• 161st in first downs allowed, giving up 293 first down;

• 156th in third-down conversion, allowing opponents to convert 49.7 percent;

• and 150th in scoring defense, allowing 40.9 points per game.

Hawks coach Gary Bass informed the team of the move Monday afternoon and said a search for a new defensive coordinator begins immediately.