Louisiana-Monroe football coach resigns

MONROE, La., Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Louisiana-Monroe football coach Bobby Keasler announced Wednesday that he was stepping down, effective immediately. He made the announcement at the regular Wednesday Athletic Scholarship Foundation luncheon at Scogin Room of Malone Stadium.

"This is not a spur of the moment decision on my part, and it was a decision that my wife (Linda) and I made," Keasler said. "There was no pressure from anyone at the University. This decision has affected me and my family for quite awhile, all the way back to last year. I have discussed it with Linda and my kids, and they are all in agreement that this is what I need to do and those are the people that are most important to me. For 30 years we have been very fortunate to have a lot of success in our lives in athletics. The last three years have not been very successful. I'm disappointed about that and I wish I could change that, but I can't. Maybe me stepping down will bring new life to the football program. I hope so. (Also) I am very pleased with the administration and their support of my decision."

Athletic Director Bruce Hanks said that he accepted and supported Keasler's decision.

"Bobby came to me and said that he felt it was time to make a move, that a change might energize the program for the rest of the season," Hanks said. "I know that no one wanted to succeed more, or worked any harder in pursuit of success for this football program than Bobby Keasler. Bobby has had a tremendous amount of success throughout the years in his chosen profession as a football coach. He has made an impact on the lives of countless young student-athletes as well as adults. I support Bobby in his decision."

Hanks said that defensive coordinator Mike Collins would serve as coach in an interim capacity for the remainder of the season. Keasler will remain with the athletic department, in an administrative role, through December.

Keasler leaves behind a good deal of young talent as the Indians routinely start only three seniors. This year, the junior-laden team returned 18 starters, but got off to an 0-3 start. Two of those were against SEC member Ole Miss and Big 12 power Kansas State.

The ULM graduate left the school to become the head coach at McNeese State in 1990, and took the Cowboys to seven I-AA playoff appearances and six nine-win seasons during his tenure there. Keasler earned Southland Conference Coach of the Year honors four times and was the Louisiana Coach of the Year three times.

The Indians finished 1-10 and 2-9 in back-to-back seasons in 2001 and 2002.