University of New Hampshire director of athletics Marty Scarano announced Monday night that 21^st-year head football coach Sean McDonnell will take an indefinite leave of absence from the program for health-related reasons. 

Associate head coach Ricky Santos has been named interim head coach, effective immediately.

“Our entire department is aligned in doing everything to support Sean with the intent of getting him back to coaching his program,” said Scarano. “This will be the ultimate team effort; the administration, coaching staff, and most of all the student-athletes will give everything we have to support Jenny and Sean during this challenge.

“UNH football is in great hands with Ricky Santos as its interim head coach,” Scarano added. “Ricky will carry on the principles that Coach Mac has instilled in our nationally recognized program to ensure the team maintains its standard of achievement both on and off the field.”

Release provided by UNH Athletics