Darnell Fired

Eight-year football coach Gary Darnell has been relieved of his duties as top man in the WMU football program. Darnell will officially end his career at WMU following next Saturday’s contest at Marshall.

“We are extremely grateful for Gary’s contributions to the Bronco Football program over the past eight years,” said Kathy Beauregard, WMU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “However after last season, which was our third consecutive losing season, we discussed the need for the program to have a winning record in 2004 for Gary to continue as head coach. For the benefit of our student-athletes and fans, we simply cannot afford another year of decline and now is the time for new leadership to be brought in.”

At a price of $100,000 the athletic department will buy out the remaining two years of Darnell’s contract.

During the current four-year streak of losing seasons the Broncos have compiled a 15-30 record (11-20 MAC). The current season at 1-9 (0-7 MAC) is WMU’s worst under Darnell who started his tenure at WMU with four straight winning seasons including two MAC West titles.

A search for a replacement will begin immediately and Darnell will attend Monday’s weekly press luncheon to address the media for his final week on the job.