What Is 2014 Lehigh Mountain Hawks football

Overview

The 2014 Lehigh Mountain Hawks football team represented Lehigh University during the 2014 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Patriot League, the team was led by head coach Andy Coen, who was in his seventh year at the helm.

The season reflected a balanced effort on both sides of the ball, with notable performances from key offensive players. Despite a .500 overall record, the team remained competitive in conference play and showed resilience throughout a challenging schedule.

• Head coach Andy Coen guided the team through a 12-game season, maintaining a consistent offensive strategy and player development approach across all matchups.
• The Mountain Hawks finished the season with a 6–6 overall record, including a 3–3 mark in Patriot League competition, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
• Home games were played at Goodman Stadium, a 13,000-seat facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which has served as the team’s home since 1988.
• Lehigh scored a total of 279 points across 12 games, averaging 23.25 points per game, with quarterback Brandon Briones leading the passing attack.
• The team’s defense allowed 273 total points, averaging just over 22.75 points per game, showing a relatively even balance between offense and defense.

How It Works

The structure of a college football season like Lehigh’s in 2014 involves a combination of non-conference and conference matchups, culminating in potential postseason eligibility based on performance.

• Regular Season Structure: The 2014 schedule consisted of 12 games, including six non-conference opponents and six Patriot League matchups to determine standings.
• Coaching Leadership: Andy Coen served as head coach, overseeing game planning, player development, and in-game decision-making throughout the season.
• Offensive Strategy: Lehigh utilized a balanced offensive approach, combining a strong passing game led by Briones with a complementary ground attack averaging 135 rushing yards per game.
• Defensive Alignment: The defense primarily operated out of a 4-3 formation, focusing on aggressive pass coverage and tackling efficiency against FCS-level competition.
• Player Eligibility: NCAA rules allowed student-athletes up to four seasons of competition, with redshirt options used strategically to extend player development timelines.
• Postseason Eligibility: With a 6–6 record, Lehigh did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, which require a winning record or automatic conference bid.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2014 Lehigh Mountain Hawks compared to other Patriot League teams and national FCS averages:

Lehigh’s performance placed them slightly above league average in scoring and defense, though they fell short of securing a postseason berth. Their .500 record mirrored Colgate’s, but a weaker conference record limited their standing.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was significant for Lehigh as it reflected transitional trends in FCS football and the growing competitiveness of the Patriot League.

• The season highlighted program consistency, as Lehigh maintained a .500 record for the second consecutive year under Coen’s leadership.
• Competing in a non-scholarship conference, Lehigh demonstrated that competitive balance is achievable without full athletic scholarships.
• Key player development, such as the emergence of Briones at QB, had long-term implications for future seasons’ offensive productivity.
• The close point differential (+6 net points) indicated a team capable of improvement with minor strategic adjustments.
• Games against rivals like Lafayette contributed to regional engagement and strengthened community interest in college athletics.
• The season underscored the importance of conference performance in determining postseason eligibility and national recognition.

While not a championship year, 2014 served as a building block for future success, emphasizing development, competitiveness, and academic-athletic balance at the FCS level.