Penn State’s Remarkably Successful Fencing Coach is Out

After days of rumors, Penn State has confirmed that Emmanuil Kaidanov is no longer the head coach of the men’s and women’s fencing teams.

Kaidanov (pronounced kigh-DAN-off) was wildly successful, leading his teams to a combined 12 NCAA championships during his 31 years with the university.

It’s unclear what led to Kaidanov’s departure. Jeff Nelson, spokesperson for the Penn State athletics department declined to provide details. Nelson released a statement saying, “This is a confidential personnel matter and we therefore are not at liberty to discuss it. He no longer is a University employee.”

In 31 years with the university, Kaidanov built a sterling record, leading the men’s program to a 403-36 mark. The women’s team compiled a 392-41 record during that time. Kaidanov immigrated to the United States from the former Soviet Union in 1979.

His teams won NCAA championships in 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009,2010. During Kaidanov’s tenure the program also produced 28 NCAA Individual Titles, 10 Olympians and 188 All-Americans.

Kaidanov’s departure is the latest in a string of recent coaching changes at Penn State. Baseball coach Robbie Wine, swimming and diving coach John Hargis and softball coach Robin Petrini have left Penn State since last spring.