Dillon completed his fourth season at the helm with Saturday's 56-7 loss at Coe. The Rams finished 2-8 overall, 1-7 in the Iowa Conference.

"After careful consideration and much deliberation, I feel it is in the best interest of my family and Cornell College that I resign as the head football coach of the college," Dillon said. "This has been a hard and difficult decision for me as this was the job I always wanted after graduating from here in 1981.

"The past four seasons have been an unbelievable challenge, both professionally and personally, trying to rebuild this football program. I had my opportunity for four years and wouldn't trade a minute of it. I wish the current players and coaches well in the future. This will always be a special place for me."

Dillon finished with a 6-34 record on the Hilltop. The Rams went 1-31 in conference play. Cornell snapped a 34-game losing streak against IIAC foes in the penultimate game this season, a 23-16 home win Nov. 7 over Loras. The victory also ended a 13-game home losing skid at Ash Park Stadium.

Dillon, who starred as an all-American quarterback for the Rams from 1977-80, returned to his alma mater in 2006 to take over the football program. The Rams won their first two games in Dillon's initial season and finished 2-8. The team also posted a 2-8 mark in 2007. Cornell went 0-10 in 2008.

This year's young Rams team ended an 18-game overall losing skid with a 28-21 win at Grinnell in the season opener. Four of Cornell's losses this fall were decided by fewer than 10 points, including three consecutive single-digit conference defeats in October.

"I have tremendous respect for Matt Dillon and a deep appreciation for everything that he has meant to Cornell College," Cornell Director of Athletics John Cochrane said. "I wish Matt the very best in his future endeavors. He will always be an important part of this place."

Prior to taking the head job at Cornell, Dillon coached 24 seasons at the high school level. He is most known for a nine-year stint at West Des Moines Dowling, where he led the Maroons to back-to-back Class 4A state championships in 2000 and 2001.