In 1921, Cannell became Dartmouth's head football coach, replacing
Clarence Spears. After the season, Cannell's players petitioned for his return as head coach after they learned alumni were agitating to have him replaced by former Dartmouth star and
Colgate coach
Lawrence Bankart. The administration vehemently denied that Bankart was to replace Cannell, and
The New York Times wrote the "Bankart rumor springs up every year, but usually with little or no foundation." Bankart had previously declined the position vacated by Spears, and had recommended Cannell for the job. Cannell was replaced by
Jesse Hawley, Cannell was promoted back to head coach in 1929 after Hawley relinquished the job due to "business pressure". During the next three years Dartmouth amassed a 19–6–2 record, but posted an 8–8–1 mark over Cannell's last two seasons. Five days later, Cannell resigned his position with a year remaining on his contract. Athletic director Harry R. Heneage stated the administration had not pressured him for his resignation, but without further elaboration. In 1937, Cannell was hired as an assistant under his former high school coach,
Cleo O'Donnell, at
Saint Anselm College in
Goffstown, New Hampshire. He remained at the school until it dropped football following the 1940 season. From 1942 to 1946, Traip had the longest undefeated streak in state history. ==Later life==