Rick Candaele announced that he will retire as football coach at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps effective Aug. 15, after 15 seasons as the Stags' head coach. His teams compiled a record of 55-79, including a 5-4 season in 2009.

Candaele was at the helm of five of the 14 winning seasons in the history of the CMS program, all of which have come in the past 11 years.

Steve Retzlaff, left, who has been an assistant since 1993 and was most recently defensive coordinator, will be the interim head coach for the 2010 season.

During Candaele's tenure, the program has maintained a roster of more than 70 players, including at least 15 seniors each of the past four seasons.

"I'm thankful to Rick for turning the football program around and putting the Stags in a competitive position through increased participation, retention, and on field success," said athletic director Mike Sutton. "His ability to encourage our team to play hard and well for each other has been our key to success."

There will be a national search for Candaele's successor after the upcoming season.