Davidson Hires Rising Star Saj Thakkar

DAVIDSON - In a significant move that signals a new era for Davidson College football, the Wildcats have appointed rising coaching star Saj Thakkar as their 29th head coach, bringing his innovative offensive mindset and proven track record of academic excellence to the Pioneer League.

Thakkar, who engineered remarkable success at Bentley University over the past two seasons, arrives in Davidson with an impressive 14-6 overall record that belies his relatively young age of 33. His tenure at Bentley was marked by consistent excellence, with the Falcons finishing among the Northeast-10 Conference's elite under his leadership.

The appointment represents a calculated decision by Davidson Athletic Director Chris Clunie to inject fresh energy into a program seeking to establish itself as a competitive force in FCS football. Thakkar's experience crafting high-powered offenses, coupled with his commitment to academic achievement, made him an ideal fit for Davidson's distinctive blend of athletic and academic aspirations.

During his time at Bentley, Thakkar's teams dominated the statistical categories, leading or placing second in every major offensive and defensive metric in the conference. Perhaps more impressively, his program led the NE-10 in Academic All-District selections, demonstrating his ability to foster success both on the field and in the classroom.

His coaching journey includes valuable experience at prestigious academic institutions, most notably a five-year stint as running backs coach at Harvard under legendary coach Tim Murphy. Murphy, who amassed 232 career wins over 36 years, praised Thakkar's exceptional football acumen and ability to connect with student-athletes.

"Saj is a great American success story," Murphy reflected, highlighting his protégé's remarkable work ethic and football intelligence. "His ability to recruit, coach, and motivate student-athletes sets him apart in our profession."

Thakkar's offensive expertise was particularly evident during his tenure as offensive coordinator at SUNY Maritime, where his units averaged an impressive 37 points per game in 2017, resulting in ten players earning All-ECAC recognition. This offensive prowess, combined with his recent NFL experience as a Bill Walsh Fellow with both the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans, suggests exciting possibilities for the Wildcats' offensive scheme.

The new head coach's vision for Davidson football extends beyond mere tactical innovations. "We will work to become a top FCS football program while providing the best scholar-athlete experience in the country," Thakkar declared, emphasizing his commitment to holistic player development.

For Davidson, this hiring represents more than just a coaching change – it's a statement of intent. With Thakkar at the helm, the Wildcats are positioning themselves for a future that balances competitive excellence with academic achievement, a combination that has long been the hallmark of Davidson College athletics.