Fordham University President Joseph McShane bid his now former head coach a heartfelt goodbye in a letter released sent to the student body. Joe Moorhead left his position as Fordham’s head man to assume the vacant offensive coordinator position at Penn State as the man looks to climb the coaching ladder.

Moorhead took over a struggling Fordham team in 2012 after various stops throughout the FBS ranks, including a stint as UConn’s offensive coordinator for two seasons. He transformed Fordham into an FCS playoff contender after three consecutive postseason trips.

In the letter, McShane thanks his departed head coach, lauding him for his remarkable tenure at the University in a way only a Jesuit could.

Here is the letter in its entirety:

Dear Members of the Fordham Family,

It is with very mixed feelings that I inform you that head football coach Joe Moorhead is leaving us to become the offensive coordinator of the Nittany Lions. On the one hand, this is a terrific move for Coach Moorhead, both for personal and professional reasons; on the other, it is a great loss to the Rams. The Coach turned around a struggling team, and helped them grow into winners on the field and off. His shoes will be hard to fill.

Coach Moorhead took very seriously his responsibility as a teacher-coach at a Jesuit school. Therefore, he not only encouraged the players to seek success on the field, but also encouraged them to be men of real distinction, men whose lives are marked by competence, conscience, compassion and deep commitment to the Gospel task of building up the human family.

Coach put his Alma Mater back on the map in ways that the Seven Blocks would cheer. I rejoice in the recognition that he has rightly received from Penn State, and I wish him nothing but success in Happy Valley. Coach Moorhead departs with Fordham’s blessings and prayers. We will all miss him, but we say Godspeed with gratitude and pride.