Chicago State University makes history by appointing Bobby Rome II as its first head football coach (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington).
In a bold and historic move, Chicago State University has officially entered the world of Division I football.
The university named Bobby Rome II as the first head coach in program history, signaling its commitment to bringing NCAA Division I football to the city. Rome, fresh off a nomination for HBCU Coach of the Year in 2024, brings a track record of high performance and program-building experience that CSU is betting will set the tone for this new chapter.
Rome comes to Chicago from Florida Memorial University, where he led the team to its first winning season in modern history. Under his leadership, FMU’s offense became a national force. In 2023, his squad ranked #1 in the NAIA for total yards and scored 51 touchdowns, the most in the nation. This year, the program secured a Top 3 finish in the Sun Conference, claimed the #1 Top-Rated Recruiting Class, and posted back-to-back Top 15 offensive seasons.
Key stats from his tenure at FMU:
- 2023 NAIA Total Yards Leader
- 51 total touchdowns (national leader)
- 2024 Sun Conference Top 3 Finish
- 2024 #1 Top-Rated Recruiting Class
- Back-to-back Top 15 Offensive Finishes
- Averaged 38.9 PPG and 490 YPG
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rome to the CSU family,” said Dr. Monique Carroll, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “He’s a transformative leader with a proven track record of building a successful program. His vision for the program coupled with his fund-raising experience makes him a perfect fit.”
Rome’s hiring marks a new era for CSU and an ambitious step forward for football in Chicago, a city that’s never had an NCAA Division I football team within its limits.
Photos of the press conference by Lanette Warbington:
