Rumored to be on the coaching hot seat, Mike Price instead decided to take the path of least resistance as the 2012 coaching carousel continues spinning right along.
At a press conference Monday afternoon, Price announced that he is retiring as UTEP’s head coach following the conclusion of the 2012 season. The 3-8 Miners close out the year this weekend against Rice.
“I’m very thankful to President Natalicio for giving us this opportunity,” the 66-year-old Price said. “It has been the chance of a lifetime. I am very appreciative of the loyal support by Director of Athletics Bob Stull. I can’t thank him enough for his patience and support. This is my last year of coaching. It is great go out with this group of fine student-athletes and coaches. Although I didn’t go to school here, I’m a Miner. Joyce and I are proud to be El Pasoans.”
In his nine seasons at UTEP, Price has won 48 games, second-most in school history.
While Price went to two Rose Bowls during his 14-year stint at Washington State, he’s most known for his very brief tenure at Alabama. After leaving Wazzu for ‘Bama in December of 2002, he was fired in May following an infamous strip club imbroglio and never coached a single down for the Tide.