The 49ers finished the season 4–8, 3–5 in C-USA play to finish in fifth place in the East Division.
Coaching staff
Former Eastern Kentucky head coach Dean Hood was announced as Assistant Head Coach and Tight Ends Coach on December 18, 2015. Lambert had worked with Hood at Wake Forest and had been his replacement as Defensive Coordinator for the Demon Deacons. Johnson Richardson moved from coaching Tight Ends to Offensive Line Coach.[1] After three years with the 49ers Napoleon Sykes returned to Navy to coach defensive line for the Midshipmen.[2]NC State Quality Control Coach Ulrick Edmonds joined the staff of February 12, 2016. He replaced Sykes as Outside Linebackers Coach.[3] After a one-year stint as Offensive Line Coach, having stepped into the role after the sudden death of Phil Ratliff, former Carolina Panther, Kevin Donnalley returned the Charlotte 49ers radio broadcast team.
^[a]The game between Charlotte and Florida Atlantic scheduled for a 3:30 pm kickoff on October 8, 2016, was postponed due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew. The game was played the following day on October 9, 2016 with a noon kickoff.[32]
Charlotte 49ers home games and conference road games will be broadcast through Conference USA's television partners ESPN, CBS Sports, ASN, beIN, and Campus Insiders.[36][37] Additional games will be available online through CUSA.tv.[38]
Radio
Radio coverage for all games is broadcast by IMG College through the Charlotte 49ers Radio Network flagship station WFNZ 610 AM (102.5 FM) The Fan, sister station WBCN 1660 AM, and the TuneIn Charlotte 49ers IMG Sports Network app. The radio announcers are "Voice of the 49ers" Matt Swierad with play-by-play, former Carolina PantherKevin Donnalley with color commentary, and Bobby Rosinski with sideline reports. Swierad and Donnalley also host the "Gold Mine Live" Coaches Show each Monday during the season at noon from Norm's in the UNC Charlotte Student Union. "Gold Mine Live" can be heard on 1660 AM.[39]
Preseason media poll
Conference USA released their preseason media poll on July 21, 2016, with the 49ers predicted to finish in last place in the East Division.[40]
Anthony COVINGTON 0 Yd Fumble Return (Stephen MUSCARELLO Kick)
LVILL 70–14
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
First meeting
The 49ers faced their first ACC opponents when they met their former C-USA and Metro Conference foes.
Top performers for the game were Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, who passed for 286 yards and 6 touchdowns. Jackson also was the top rusher of the game, with 11 carries for 119 yards and 2 more touchdowns. Charlotte's Austin Duke had 5 receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown.
T.L. Ford II 12 Yd pass from Kevin Olsen (Stephen Muscarello Kick)
TIED 7–7
2
4:39
CHAR
Kyle Hoffman 1 Yd pass from Kevin Olsen (Stephen Muscarello PAT failed)
CHAR 13–7
2
0:35
CHAR
Justin Bolus 8 Yd pass from Kevin Olsen (Stephen Muscarello Kick)
CHAR 20–7
3
11:44
CHAR
Robert Washington 1 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed)
CHAR 26–7
3
5:02
CHAR
Robert Washington 4 Yd Run (Stephen Muscarello Kick)
CHAR 33–7
4
11:14
CHAR
Austin Duke 76 Yd pass from Matt Johnson (Stephen Muscarello Kick)
CHAR 40–7
4
9:36
CHAR
Ben DeLuca 59 Yd Fumble Return (Stephen Muscarello Kick)
CHAR 47–7
4
6:53
ELON
Daniel THOMPSON 6 Yd run (John GALLAGHER kick )
CHAR 47–14
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
0–1
2014
L 13–20
The Phoenix were looking to spoil the 49ers' home opener, but Charlotte got revenge for their first loss of the 2014 season.
Top performers for the game were Charlotte quarterback Kevin Olsen, who passed for 155 yards and 3 touchdowns. Elon rusher Brandon Gentry had 9 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown. Charlotte's Austin Duke had 4 receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown.
T.L. FORD II 28 Yd pass from Hasaan KLUGH (Stephen MUSCARELLO Kick failed)
EMU 34–19
4
3:18
EMU
Paul FRICANO 30 Yd field goal
EMU 37–19
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
First meeting
The 49ers hosted their first opponents from the MAC when the Eagles visited Charlotte for the first time.
Top performers for the game were Eastern Michigan quarterback Todd Porter, who passed for 285 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Charlotte rusher Robert Washington had 20 carries for 120 yards. Eastern Michigan's Johnny Niupalau had 3 receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Kalif PHILLIPS 66 Yd run (Stephen MUSCARELLO Kick)
TEMP 31–14
3
8:37
TEMP
Jahad THOMAS 1 Yd run (Austin JONES Kick)
TEMP 38–14
3
5:14
TEMP
Ryquell ARMSTEAD 1 Yd run (Austin JONES Kick)
TEMP 45–14
4
12:52
TEMP
Austin JONES 31 Yd field goal
TEMP 48–14
4
8:34
CHAR
Robert WASHINGTON 4 Yd run (Stephen MUSCARELLO Kick failed)
TEMP 48–20
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
0–1
2015
L 3–37
Charlotte visited the "City of Brotherly Love" for the first time hoping to return the favor to their former A10 conference mates for the drubbing they received at the hands of the Owls the previous season. Unfortunately it was more of the same for the 49ers.
Top performers for the game were Temple quarterback Phillip Walker, who passed for 268 yards and 2 touchdowns. Temple rusher Jahad Thomas had 15 carries for 68 yards and 2 touchdowns. Temple's Brodrick Yancey had 4 receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Game notes:
First game for the 49ers in the State of Pennsylvania.
Zach PASCAL 25 Yd pass from David WASHINGTON (Brad DAVIS Kick)
ODU 21–3
2
12:29
ODU
Travis FULGHAM 55 Yd pass from David WASHINGTON (Brad DAVIS Kick)
ODU 28–3
2
4:56
ODU
Brad DAVIS 35 Yd Field Goal
ODU 31–3
2
0:02
CHAR
Kalif PHILLIPS 42 Yd pass from Kevin OLSEN (Stephen MUSCARELLO Kick)
ODU 31–10
3
10:24
ODU
Jeremy COX 1 Yd Run (Brad DAVIS Kick)
ODU 38–10
3
4:15
ODU
Isaiah HARPER 9 Yd pass from David WASHINGTON (Brad DAVIS Kick)
ODU 45–10
3
0:15
ODU
Gemonta JACKSON 37 Yd Run (Brad DAVIS Kick)
ODU 52–10
4
2:57
CHAR
Hasaan KLUGH 3 Yd Run (Stephen MUSCARELLO Kick)
ODU 52–17
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
0–1
2015
L 34–37
The 49ers were looking to even the series up when the Monarchs visited Charlotte for the first time. Unfortunately the Niners would fall hard to a fired-up Monarchs squad for the first C-USA game of the season.
Top performers for the game were Old Dominion quarterback David Washington, who passed for 256 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. ODU rusher Gemonta Jackson had 9 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown. ODU's Zach Pascal had 5 receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.
Gregory HOWELL Jr. 3 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed)
CHAR 28–23
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
0–1
2015
L 7–17
Charlotte visited Boca Raton for the first time looking to avenge a fourth quarter loss at home from the previous season. Not only did they accomplish that, but they also got their first conference win in program history after a controversial call reversal on a no time left Hail Mary ruled touchdown pass by FAU.
Top performers for the game were Charlotte quarterback Hasaan Klugh, who passed for 223 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. FAU rusher Gregory Howell Jr. had 20 carries for 100 yards and 3 touchdowns. Charlotte's Austin Duke had 6 receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Robert WASHINGTON 3 Yd Run (Stephen MUSCARELLO PAT blocked)
CHAR 23–13
4
7:12
CHAR
Stephen MUSCARELLO 32 Yd Field Goal
CHAR 26–13
4
4:21
FIU
A.J. BRANISEL 15 Yd pass from Alex MCGOUGH (Austin TAYLOR Kick)
CHAR 26–20
4
1:05
FIU
Jonnu Smith 9 Yd pass from Alex MCGOUGH (Austin TAYLOR Kick)
FIU 27–26
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
0–1
2015
L 31–48
Charlotte was looking to even the series when the Panthers visited the Queen City for the first time. But a late score by FIU and a missed long range field goal would result in Charlotte's fourth lost Homecoming Game in a row.
Top performers for the game were FAU quarterback Alex McGough, who passed for 315 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Charlotte rusher Kalif Phillips had 24 carries for 99 yards. FAU's Thomas Owens had 11 receptions for 148 yards.
Game notes:
Larry Ogunjobi, the 49ers' all-Conference USA nose tackle had 4.5 tackles for a loss, including 1.5 sacks, and a team-best 10 tackles.
Charlotte visited the State of West Virginia for the first time looking to avenge a loss at home from the previous season. Task accomplished, the 49ers even the series with Marshall and notched their second C-USA road win of the season.
Top performers for the game were Marshall quarterback Chase Litton, who passed for 262 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Charlotte rusher Kalif Phillips had 23 carries for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns. Marshall's Josh Knight had 10 receptions for 94 yards.
Game notes:
First game in the State of West Virginia.
Kalif Phillips, the 49ers' running back ran for 123 yards, his fourth 100-yard-plus performance this season.
Korey ROBERTSON 3 Yd pass from Nick Mullens (Parker SHAUNFIELD Kick)
TIED 7–7
1
0:35
USM
Chase WHITEHEAD 78 Yd pass from Nick MULLENS (Parker SHAUNFIELD Kick)
USM 14–7
2
13:29
CHAR
Robert WASHINGTON 58 Yd Run (Blake BREWER Kick)
TIED 14–14
2
1:46
CHAR
Chris MONTGOMERY 9 Yd Run (Blake BREWER Kick)
CHAR 21–14
2
0:35
CHAR
T.L. FORD II 18 Yd pass from Hasaan KLUGH (Blake BREWER Kick)
CHAR 28–14
3
9:29
CHAR
Blake BREWER 22 Yd Field Goal
CHAR 31–14
3
3:18
CHAR
Ed ROLLE 0 Yd Return of Blocked Punt (Blake BREWER Kick)
CHAR 38–14
4
14:11
USM
Ito SMITH 8 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed)
CHAR 38–20
4
4:56
USM
Parker ADAMSON 2 Yd Run (Parker SHAUNFIELD Kick)
CHAR 38–27
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
0–1
2015
L 10–44
Charlotte visited the State of Mississippi for the first time looking to avenge a loss at home from the previous season. Charlotte dominated the game, becoming the first time in C-USA history to win on the road at Marshall and Southern Miss. in a single season.
Top performers for the game were Southern Miss. quarterback Nate Mullens, who passed for 249 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Charlotte rusher Kalif Phillips had 29 carries for 183 yards. Southern Miss's Chase Whitehead had 2 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Game notes:
First game in the State of Mississippi.
Coming off a 4-week injury, Terrence Winchester was named C-USA Defensive Player of the Week.[23]
Juwan Foggie was named C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week.[23]
First time Charlotte has won back-to-back FBS and conference games.
Tyler STEHLING 17 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed)
CHAR 21–16
4
2:53
RICE
Tyler STEHLING 1 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed)
RICE 22–21
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
0–1
2015
L 7–27
Charlotte pulled ahead for a three touchdown lead, but an anemic second half let Rice win the game off of quarterback Tyler Stehling's arms and legs.
Top performers for the game were Rice Stehling, who passed for 279 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Stehling was also the top rusher of the game, with 20 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Rice's Zach Wright had 12 receptions for 111 yards.
Ty LEE 5 Yd pass from John URZUA (Canon ROOKER Kick)
MTSU 7–0
1
6:32
MTSU
Richie James 7 Yd pass from John URZUA (Canon ROOKER Kick)
MTSU 14–0
2
13:12
CHAR
Hasaan KLUGH 16 Yd Run (Blake BREWER PAT failed)
MTSU 14–6
2
8:39
MTSU
Patrick SMITH 6 Yd pass from John URZUA (Canon ROOKER Kick)
MTSU 21–6
2
0:18
MTSU
Canon ROOKER 41 Yd Field Goal
MTSU 24–6
3
11:15
CHAR
Hasaan KLUGH 4 Yd Run (Blake BREWER Kick)
MTSU 24–13
3
4:12
MTSU
Patrick SMITH 14 Yd pass from John URZUA (Canon ROOKER Kick)
MTSU 31–13
3
0:19
CHAR
Blake BREWER 38 Yd Field Goal
MTSU 31–16
4
8:18
CHAR
Hasaan KLUGH 2 Yd Run (Blake BREWER Kick)
MTSU 31–23
4
4:53
CHAR
Workpeh KOFA 8 Yd pass from Hasaan KLUGH (Austin DUKE Pass to Hasaan KLUGH for Two-Point Conversion)
TIED 31–31
4
1:12
MTSU
Ty LEE 61 Yd Run (Canon ROOKER Kick)
MTSU 38–31
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
0–1
2015
L 14–73
In Charlotte's first ever C-USA game the hosting Blue Raiders set new program records by pounding out a 42 to 7 first quarter on the thunderstruck 49ers. Charlotte was looking to return the favor when the Blue Raiders visited Charlotte for the first time. After a valiant late push to tie the game up late in the fourth quarter, Middle Tennessee would get the go ahead score and end the 49ers' chances of bowl eligibility.
Top performers for the game were Middle Tennessee quarterback John Urzua, who passed for 250 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Middle Tennessee rusher I'Tavius Mathers had 16 carries for 101 yards. Middle Tennessee's Richie James had 8 receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Game notes:
Twenty-seven 49ers would participate in their final home collegiate game, including nineteen from Charlotte's very first recruiting class: Brandon Banks, Jarred Barr, Justin Bolus, Trent Bostick, Blake Brewer, Justin Bridges-Thompson, Zach Bumgardner, Devin Clegg, Nick Cook, Cameron Curlings, Jamal Covington, Kendrick Davis, Austin Duke, Tanner Fleming, Kyle Hoffman, Matt Johnson, Thomas La Bianca, Daquan Lucas, Lee McNeill, Stephen Muscarello, Cassy Perry, Hayden Pezzoni, Kalif Phillips, Larry Ogunjobi, E.J. Rhinehart, Keaston Sinicki, Bradan Smith, Terrance Winchester.
Marquez MCNAIR 20 Yd pass from Jared JOHNSON (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed)
UTSA 26–14
4
4:29
UTSA
Jalen RHODES 2 Yd Run (Victor FALCON Kick)
UTSA 33–14
Overall record
Last meeting
Result
0–1
2015
L 27–30 OT
The final home game of the 2015 season for Charlotte went down to the wire with the Roadrunners pulling out an overtime victory. Charlotte was looking to return the favor as they visited San Antonio for the first time. The game was controlled by the Roadrunners until Charlotte got within a touchdown score; but the Roadrunners would pull away late to clinch their spot in a bowl game, and end the 49ers' season with a loss.
Top performers for the game were UT San Antonio quarterback Dalton Strum, who passed for 146 yards and a touchdown. UT San Antonio rusher Jarveon Williams had 19 carries for 48 yards. UTSA's Kerry Thomas Jr. had 5 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown.
Game notes:
Matt Johnson would finish his collegiate career with 5,405 passing yards to become to the 49ers' all-time leading passer, with an additional 1,273 rushing yards to his credit.
Kalif Phillips would finish his collegiate career with 4,020 rushing yards, and 41 rushing touchdowns (43 overall) becoming the 49ers' all-time rushing leader and scorer.
Austin Duke would finish his collegiate career with his 4th 100 yard game of the season and his 13th 100 yard game overall.
Duke would also finish his collegiate career with 3,437 receiving yards, becoming the 49ers' career leader in receptions and 24 receiving touchdowns (25 overall). He is the 49ers' #2 all-time leading scorer behind Phillips.
Larry Ogunjobi would finish his collegiate career with 49 tackles for losses, 13 sacks, and 217 tackles to become the 49ers' all-time leader in each category. He also started all 46 games in program history.
^ ab"The Point After: Charlotte at Temple". University of North Carolina at Charlotte Department of Athletics. September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
^ ab"The Point After: Charlotte vs FIU". University of North Carolina at Charlotte Department of Athletics. October 16, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
^"GAME NOTES: Charlotte at Temple". University of North Carolina at Charlotte Department of Athletics. September 24, 2016. Retrieved September 11, 2016.