CLARION — Clarion University head football coach Jay Foster has announced his retirement after nine seasons.

Foster was 29-70 with the Golden Eagles, his best year being an 8-3 mark in 2009.

He spent 17 years as defensive coordinator at Slippery Rock University, helping SRU win four consecutive PSAC West titles (1997-2000) and reach the NCAA Division II playoffs three straight years.

Clarion officials said a national search to determine Foster’s successor will begin immediately.