LEBANON, Ill. – The McKendree University Athletic Department has announced the resignation of Head Football Coach Mike Babcock and the promotion of Jason Rejfek as the Interim Head Coach of the Bearcats.
Coach Babcock spent eleven seasons as the leader of the Bearcats, which he compiled an overall record of 58-52. Last year, he helped lead the program to its first-ever NCAA Division II postseason bid with the America's Crossroads Bowl. Also during the 2023 season, McKendree earned their first win over a ranked opponent with the 21-16 defeat of the University of Indianapolis.
During his tenure, he mentored Harlon Hill Trophy Candidate Turner Pullen for his record-setting campaign during the 2022 season. Along with the Harlan Hill Candidate, Babcock mentored over 130 All-GLVC athletes; including seven major awards.
McKendree alum Jason Rejfek has been named the Interim Head Coach of the Bearcats. The former standout linebacker suited up for McKendree from 2009 to 2012. He currently sits in 10th all-time for career tackles in the record book.
"I cannot express enough gratitude towards our Athletic Director, Anthony Francis, President Dobbins and the rest of the Mckendree University campus for this opportunity," said Coach Rejfek. "The lessons that I learned as a player from Coach Poelker helped to drive me into coaching so that I could influence young men's lives. Coach Babcock hired me in 2018 and the dream of working here was a reality. In being the next head coach here, I am excited to have the ability to bridge the gap of both generations and continue to enhance our student athlete experience. McKendree University is a special place because of the young men that we have in our program and the dedication that they have not only to the football program but also to the University."
Originally hired on in April 2018 as the wide receivers coach, Rejfek has spent the previous five seasons with the defensive backs and being the defensive coordinator.
"The gratitude and debt that I owe to Coach Babcock for mentoring me as a coach over the last six seasons that I have been a coach here," expressed Interim Head Coach Rejfek "The faith and trust that he showed in me to continue to grow in the roles and take on more responsibility is something that I wish I can take from him and help to build this staff and program forward. The position that we are currently in is a testament to him and I cannot thank him enough for helping become the type of Coach, man and father that I am today."
Before returning to McKendree, Rejfek spent three seasons at Lindenwood – Belleville (NAIA) where he served in many different capacities. During his time with the Lynx, he coached the defensive backs, the defensive line and the wide receivers. For his final two seasons with Lindenwood – Belleville, he was the recruiting coordinator.
The Bearcats open their 2024 camp on Monday, August 12th. Week one of the 2024 schedule is on September 5th at University of West Florida.
"Our players have been looking forward to this season since we finished playing in the Crossroads Bowl in December. This offseason has been player driven and brought us together as a team in ways that I have not seen since I played here," said Rejfek. "We know that we have something special in this group and these young men are excited to get out on the field and compete with one another this fall to see how far they can push each other to reach their goal."
