The New Era Of F&M Football: 5 Key Changes Under Coach Michael Phelan For The 2025 Season

The Franklin & Marshall (F&M) football program, known as the Diplomats, is currently navigating one of its most significant transitions in recent memory, following a successful 2024 campaign. The team concluded the 2024 season with a strong 7-4 overall record, securing yet another victory in the Centennial-MAC Bowl Series, extending their impressive streak of consecutive bowl wins. This success, however, was immediately followed by a major coaching change, setting the stage for a new era in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as the team prepares for the 2025 season and beyond.

The latest and most pivotal news for F&M football is the appointment of its 40th head coach, Michael Phelan, who was officially elevated to the position on February 17, 2025. This move signals a fresh direction for the storied NCAA Division III program as they look to build upon their recent bowl success and compete for a Centennial Conference title under new leadership. The foundation is solid, but the challenge now is to maintain the momentum and integrate Phelan's vision for the Diplomats.

Michael Phelan: The 40th Head Coach and His Mandate

The transition in the F&M football coaching staff was the biggest story coming out of the 2024 season. Head Coach John Blumenauer, who led the Diplomats to 21 wins over his three seasons, resigned, opening the door for a new leader. The college did not have to look far, promoting Michael Phelan, who brings a distinct defensive perspective to the helm.

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Phelan's appointment as the 40th head coach in program history marks the beginning of a new chapter. His immediate mandate is clear: continue the program's winning tradition, particularly its dominance in bowl games, and elevate its standing within the competitive Centennial Conference (CC). The Diplomats have historically been a powerhouse, and Phelan is tasked with restoring them to the top of the league standings.

F&M Football Program Milestones and Biography

• Institution: Franklin & Marshall College (F&M)
• Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• Nickname: Diplomats
• NCAA Division: Division III
• Conference: Centennial Conference (CC)
• Program Start: 1887
• All-Time Head Coaches: 40
• Current Head Coach: Michael Phelan (Appointed February 17, 2025)
• Notable Seasons: Undefeated 9-0 season in 1950
• Bowl Success: Five consecutive Centennial-MAC Bowl Series victories (Current Streak)
• Key Rivalries: Dickinson Red Devils (The Wagon Game), Gettysburg Bullets

The 2024 Season Review: Bowl Dominance and Key Performers

The 2024 season for F&M football was another year of significant achievement, especially in the postseason. The team finished with a commendable 7-4 overall record, demonstrating resilience and strength outside of conference play. While the Centennial Conference record of 3-3 was not what the Diplomats hoped for, their ability to bounce back and secure a postseason win was a testament to the program's culture.

The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the Centennial-MAC Bowl Series victory, which extended the Diplomats' bowl winning streak to five games. This streak is a major point of pride and a clear indicator of the program's ability to perform in high-stakes, season-ending matchups. The team's success was powered by strong individual performances.

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In a memorable moment from the 2024 season, quarterback Ty Tremba tied an individual game record for touchdowns, highlighting the offensive firepower the Diplomats possessed. Tremba's four-touchdown performance against Gettysburg on November 16, 2024, cemented his place in the program's recent history.

Centennial Conference Rivalries and The Tradition of 'The Wagon'

Topical authority on F&M football is incomplete without discussing its deep-rooted rivalries, which are central to the team's identity and the passion of the fan base. The Diplomats are part of the Centennial Conference, an NCAA Division III league known for its competitive balance and rich history.

1. The Dickinson Red Devils: Battle for The Wagon

The most tangible and celebrated rivalry is against the Dickinson Red Devils. This annual contest is played for "The Wagon," a coveted trophy that has been exchanged between the two schools since 1963. The rivalry game is always a physical and emotionally charged affair, with the 2024 contest seeing the Diplomats reclaim The Wagon with a 23-14 victory at Shadek Stadium. Winning this game is a non-negotiable goal for the F&M football team and its supporters, regardless of the season's overall record.

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2. The Gettysburg Bullets: A Storied History

The rivalry with the Gettysburg Bullets is one of the oldest in college football, dating back to Gettysburg's inaugural varsity season in 1890. This tradition-rich matchup predates both schools' mascots by decades, embodying the long-standing history of football in the Mid-Atlantic region. The annual clash against the Bullets is a cornerstone of the Diplomats' schedule and a vital part of the Centennial Conference landscape.

The 2025 Outlook: New Opponents and the Phelan Factor

The 2025 season will be a defining year for the F&M football program under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Michael Phelan. The schedule has been finalized, and it includes several exciting new additions that will test the Diplomats' depth and readiness early in the season.

New opponents for the 2025 schedule include:

• Carnegie Mellon (CMU)
• Westminster (Pa.)
• Catholic University

These non-conference matchups are crucial for building momentum and preparing the team for the rigorous Centennial Conference slate. The early-season opener is set for Friday, September 6, under the lights of Shadek Stadium against Lebanon Valley, a team the Diplomats have consistently defeated in recent years.

The Phelan factor will be the most compelling narrative of the 2025 season. As a coach with a defensive background, fans anticipate a renewed focus on defensive intensity and discipline. His ability to transition from a coordinator role to the top job, while maintaining the winning culture established by his predecessor, will determine the Diplomats' success in their pursuit of a Centennial Conference championship and a sixth consecutive bowl victory.

The F&M Diplomats have a grand history of success, highlighted by their 1950 undefeated team and numerous conference championships. With a new coach, a challenging schedule, and a legacy of bowl dominance to uphold, the future of F&M football is poised for an exciting new chapter. The focus now shifts to the players and Phelan's staff to ensure the program continues its storied tradition of excellence on the gridiron.