A former Bucknell University football coach has filed a lawsuit claiming he was the victim of age discrimination after being relieved of his duties.
Joe Susan said in a lawsuit filed this week that he was forced out of his position in 2019. The complaint against the university is seeking unspecified damages in excess of $75,000, as well as front and back pay.
Since leaving Bucknell, Susan has gone on to serve as special assistant to Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
During his nine years at Bucknell, Susan went 38-61. His best season was in 2014 when the Bison went 8-3 and he was named Patriot League coach of the year.
According to Penn Live, the lawsuit alleges that Bucknell athletic director Jermaine Truax made a conscious decision to replace Susan with a younger coach.
Susan alleges he was given the option of coaching in 2019 without the authority to pick assistant coaches, resign and take a position in the athletic department at a 60 percent reduction in pay, benefits and privileges or take a buyout.
“I consider it an honor and a privilege to have been the head football coach at Bucknell University,” Susan said in a statement announcing his retirement. “I offer special thanks to the coaches on my staff who worked tirelessly to be mentors and role models for our players.”
