With Kent Austin’s recent departure to the CFL, the Cornell football team had big shoes to fill. Luckily, Athletic Director Andy Noel picked the right man for the job in David Archer ’05, the newly minted Roger J. Weiss ’61 Head Coach of Football.
During my freshman and sophomore years, I had the privilege of working directly with Coach Archer as a Recruiting Assistant for our football team. I watched as Coach Archer completely revamped the way our football program identifies and attracts top talent. It was immediately clear that he has an extraordinary football IQ and rare leadership ability.
A former Cornell Football Captain himself, Coach Archer understands the needs of student-athletes at an Ivy League school and what it takes to connect with them. Archer was a three-year starter at offensive line for the Big Red, playing alongside current New York Giants guard Kevin Boothe ‘06.
With his promotion, Coach Archer becomes the youngest D-1 head football coach in the nation. Despite his young age, it was always clear to those around the team that Coach Archer had the necessary skills to lead the program.
Coach Archer’s passion for the game is rivaled only by the respect and compassion he shows others. I was once asked about my position with the football team during an interview. It turned out that Coach Archer had recruited the interviewer’s son. The interviewer could not stop raving about his interactions with Archer and the positive impression they left on him and his son. This is the impact Coach Archer has on each and every person he comes into contact with; he lifts spirits and gets the most out of those around him.
Though the last few years have been rough for Cornell Football, the team has shown improvement over the past two seasons – thanks in large part to Coach Archer’s work as Recruiting Coordinator. With a Coach Archer at the helm, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of the Cornell Football program.
