Eastern Michigan has fired Ron English as its head football coach, the school announced Friday afternoon. The Eagles decided to part ways with English after a 1-8 start to the 2013 season.
Ron English fired as Eastern Michigan football coach
English was in his fifth season as Eagles head coach.
Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE
“At this time, I have decided that a change in the leadership of our football team is necessary,” EMU VP/Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Heather Lyke said in a released statement. “Eastern Michigan University’s commitment to our student-athletes remains of the utmost importance as we move forward with the rest of this season and in selecting the new leader of our program.”
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Stan Parrish will serve as interim head coach. Parrish, a 44-year coaching veteran, has previous experience running programs. His biggest job was a three-year stint at Kansas State from 1986-88, and he’s also held the top position at Wabash, Marshall and, most recently, Ball State (2008-10). In 13 seasons as a collegiate head coach, Parrish is 63-60-3.
The Eagles hired English in 2009, giving him his first head-coaching opportunity after he ran defenses at Michigan (2006-07) and Louisville (2008). During his first two seasons in Ypsilanti, he compiled a 2-22 record, including an 0-12 mark in his inaugural campaign. The Eagles went 6-6 in 2011, but 2012 saw another downturn and a 2-10 finish. English’s final record at EMU is 11-46 overall and 7-30 in conference play.
“We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes and we will continue to do everything we can to support their success in the classroom and on the field,” EMU President Susan Martin said in the statement. “This has been an extraordinarily challenging year for our football student-athletes and they have continued to represent Eastern with pride and professionalism. At this time of transition, it is important that Eastern Michigan fans and alumni everywhere continue to show their support for our student-athletes. Your involvement is part of the foundation from which we will create a stronger program in the future.”
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