Not only will UMass be playing at a new level of football in 2012, but the Minuteman will also have a new head coach leading them into what for the program is unchartered territory.
The school announced Monday morning that Kevin Morris has been dismissed -- OK, technically “has been released from his contract” -- as head coach, effective immediately. A national search is underway, a release stated, although the release also states that a consultative committee will be formed shortly to assist in the search process.
“I thank Kevin for his hard work during his eight years with the UMass football program including the last three as head coach,” said McCutcheon. “With the transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Mid-American Conference, I felt it was important for the program to have a new direction in leadership.”
Morris finishes his brief tenure with the Minutemen with a 16-17 record, including a 5-6 mark this season.
In April of this year, and following years worth of speculation. UMass was officially introduced as the 14th member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). UMass will make the jump from Div. 1-AA to 1-A and will begin MAC play next season, becoming eligible for the conference football championship game and a bowl game beginning in the 2013 football season.