University of Mary Fires Head Football Coach

The University of Mary fired its head football coach Saturday, November 11th.

The Bismarck Tribune reports that Coach Josh Kotelnicki was dismissed following Saturday's 62-27 loss to Minnesota Duluth.

Mr. Kotelnicki has served as head coach the past four seasons, leading the Marauders to a 5-6 record in 2014. The ensuing years proved a disappointment however, as the program won just one game each in the past three seasons.

UMary athletic director Dale Lennon will fill in as coach until a permanent replacement is hired.

Through a statement released by the school, the former coach expressed gratitude for his first head coaching opportunity. "Despite everyone's best efforts, we have not met the expectation and I accept full responsibility for that," he added.

Director Lennon says he will head a national search for the new coach. Much of the speculation now centers on whether Mr. Lennon, a season coach, may take the job himself.

He didn't seem to rule it out. "I need to give the program the best chance to be successful by hiring a good coach and a good coaching staff."

[Source: Bismarck Tribune]