EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Mike Price was hired Sunday as the new football coach at Texas-El Paso despite the controversy surrounding Mike Price surrounding him.
Price, who was fired by Alabama last spring after a spending spree at a topless bar and unusual hotel charges in Pensacola, Fla.
"We were fortunate to have many outstanding candidates for this position," said school president Dr. Diana Natalicio. "I've known Mike for over 20 years. I've always viewed him as not only a tremendous coach, but a great person and an outstanding representative of college football."
Price replaces Gary Nord, who was fired on Dec. 8 after compiling a 14-34 record in four seasons at UTEP, including 2-11 this past season.
Price, 57, brings 22 years of head coaching experience to UTEP, including 14 years at Washington State, where he led the Cougars to a pair of Rose Bowl titles, but because of his escapade, he was fired by Alabama without coaching a single game.
