Overview
- The university announced the shutdown this week and removed the football tab from its site, with web archives suggesting the decision was made only days ago.
- Desmond Gumbs resigned as head coach but remains athletic director and will lead the search for a new head coach.
- The move follows sustained reports of inadequate food, water, medical, training and travel support for players, and SFGATE described a contentious interview in which Gumbs used inflammatory language and issued a threat.
- The team suffered a severe competitive slide in 2025, including a 90-0 loss to Idaho State, five consecutive shutouts and a three-year winless stretch.
- Lincoln says it intends to return to Division II under a new coach, and President Mikhail Brodsky praised Gumbs while telling USA TODAY the step reflects funding limits, with basketball and soccer programs continuing.