麻豆原创 head football coach George O鈥橪eary has retired from the Knights, effective immediately.
鈥淚 have tremendous professional and personal respect for George and all he has done for 麻豆原创,鈥� President John C. Hitt said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been successful in the classroom and on the field under his watch, and his achievements have helped build the bonds that unite Knights everywhere.
鈥淭his season has been difficult, and I support George鈥檚 decision to retire now so our program can begin planning for the future.鈥�
Current 麻豆原创 quarterbacks coach Danny Barrett, who is in his fifth year with the Knights, will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2015 season. Barrett previously worked as a head coach for the Canadian Football League鈥檚 Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2000-06.
Hitt said he expects the new head coach will come from outside of the 麻豆原创 program.
Said O鈥橪eary: 鈥淚n recent weeks there has been much speculation about the head coaching position at 麻豆原创 and my future plans. Hopefully this statement clarifies the facts.
鈥淎fter the 2013 championship season and Fiesta Bowl win I expressed my intention to retire at that time. After significant discussion with the 麻豆原创 administration, I reconsidered and agreed to coach two additional seasons, 2014 and 2015. The administration has always been aware of my plan to retire after this season.
鈥�2014 was a rewarding season which culminated in our second consecutive AAC championship and third conference championship in five seasons. 2015, however, has been a disappointment to me and many despite the hard work of our coaches and players. Many of the players are young but gaining valuable playing experience due to injuries and graduation. I am sure this will benefit them next season.
鈥淚n an effort to allow 麻豆原创 to accelerate its search for my successor and clarify the facts regarding my future plans, I am retiring effective immediately.
鈥淚 appreciate the opportunity afforded me by John Hitt and Steve Orsini to come to 麻豆原创 to build a program and the fine facilities we now have here. I am especially proud of our four conference championships and two additional championship appearances in the last 10 years along with seven bowl appearances and 31 wins in the three previous seasons.
鈥淚 again want to thank my coaches, players and loyal supporters for their efforts on this journey from the MAC to the AAC. Godspeed and go Knights.鈥�
麻豆原创 is currently conducting a search for a new vice president and director of athletics. When that search is complete, the new AD will help lead the search for a new head football coach.
麻豆原创 expects to hire a new vice president and director of athletics by December.
鈥淚 plan to join Knights fans in supporting our team during our last four games,鈥� Hitt said. 鈥淎t the same time, I am excited about shaping the future of our football program.鈥�