In a surprising turn of events, Lincoln University in Oakland, California, has announced the resignation of its football coach, Desmond Gumbs. The university has also suspended its football program after just five seasons.
This decision comes after a string of tough challenges—losing seasons, inadequate facilities, and ongoing complaints about athlete support. Lincoln says it wants to hit pause, regroup, and hopefully come back stronger down the road.
The Rise and Fall of Lincoln University Football
Lincoln University, a small private non-profit, jumped into college football in 2021. The move was bold, but the program quickly ran into trouble.
The team, called the Oaklanders, never quite found its rhythm. Competing in the world of college football proved tougher than expected.
Challenges Faced by the Program
Right from the start, the Oaklanders were behind. They didn’t have their own stadium, so every game was played away from home.
There was no proper practice field or weight room, either. That kind of thing can take a toll, and it did—the team didn’t win a single game in the last three years.
Leadership Changes and Strategic Pause
Desmond Gumbs, who’s led the football program since day one, has decided to step down as head coach. He’s not leaving entirely, though—he’ll stay on as the university’s athletic director.
That move should help keep some continuity in the athletics department while Lincoln figures out its next steps.
High Praise for Gumbs
Lincoln University President Dr. Mikhail Brodsky had some kind words for Gumbs. “Gumbs’ leadership has been instrumental in laying the foundation for Lincoln University athletics,” Brodsky said.
He added, “His decision to step away from coaching while remaining Athletic Director demonstrates his commitment to positioning our football program for long-term success.”
Addressing Allegations and Moving Forward
The football program hasn’t escaped criticism. A 2024 USA TODAY report pointed out problems like poor equipment, no water at practices, and players packed into crowded housing.
It was a rough look—one that made it clear the program had some serious issues to deal with.
University’s Response to Allegations
Dr. Brodsky pushed back, saying the university did its own investigation and made changes. “The story is old,” Brodsky said.
He insisted, “We conducted (an) independent investigation, found and corrected (said) problems (which were) a lot less in reality than was mentioned in the negative article a long time ago.”
Future of Lincoln University Athletics
With football on hold, Lincoln is focusing on other sports. The football tab is gone from their athletics website—now it’s just basketball and soccer for both men and women.
This break could give the university a chance to rebuild and maybe come back stronger in the future.
Looking Ahead
Lincoln says it’s still committed to giving students a quality education and athletic opportunities. “Lincoln University is a non-profit educational institution and our mission is to teach students, not winning any games,” Brodsky said.
He added, “We use athletic activities as a bonus to education if the university can afford it. At this moment, we cannot afford a football team and it has nothing to do with winning or losing games.”
Conclusion
Lincoln University’s decision to suspend its football program is a pretty big deal for the school. It’s not every day you see such a move—especially one that stirs up this much conversation.
The program faced a lot of hurdles, and honestly, it’s tough to say what the best course of action is in situations like this. Still, the university’s leadership seems hopeful, maybe even a bit determined, to turn things around.
This pause? It’s meant to give them space to regroup and rethink how athletics fit into campus life. Maybe next time around, things will look a lot different for their student-athletes.
Curious for more details? Check out the full article on USA TODAY.
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