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Schnellenberger resigns as Oklahoma coach

NORMAN, Okla., Dec. 18 -- Howard Schnellenberger resigned Monday after just one season as football coach at Oklahoma. Schnellenberger, who just completed the first year of a five-year contract, said he is resigning to consider other opportunities in football and broadcasting. Schnellenberger said he made his decision after consulting with Oklahoma Athletic Director Donnie Duncan. 'Both Donnie and I reviewed various aspects of the program, as is normally done at the end of each season,' said Schnellenberger. 'Considering all aspects, both the good things that have occurred along with some of the disappointments, I feel it is in the best interests of my family and me to resign at this point and let the next coach take it from here ... I feel we made significant progress on many fronts, both on and off the field, that will serve this program for many years to come. 'But in recent months, a climate has developed toward the program, understandably in some cases and perhaps unfair in others, that has changed my outlook on this situation. A change could help improve that climate. My decision has nothing to do with any rules problems, because we have been diligent in adhering to the rules at OU and throughout our career.' The Sooners were just 5-5-1 this season and did not defeat a ranked team. Oklahoma closed the year with a 37-0 loss to Nebraska. Schnellenberger, who coached at Louisville for 10 seasons, replaced Gary Gibbs, who resigned under pressure. Schnellenberger had a 54-56-2 record in 10 seasons at Louisville.

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His best season at Louisville was in 1991, when the Cardinals were 10-1-1 and defeated Alabama in the Fiesta Bowl. The Cardinals also went to bowl game in 1993 and defeated Michigan State, 18-7, in the Liberty Bowl. Oklahoma President David Boren stressed that Schnellenberger's resignation was voluntary. 'The university's decision to accept Coach Howard Schnellenberger's voluntary resignation is in the best interest of all concerned parties,' said Boren. 'This decision to resign was made by the coach and I want to make it clear that neither I nor the athletic director nor members of the Board of Regents have made an issue to this season's win-loss record with Coach Schnellenberger.' Schnellenberger made his reputation at Miami (Fla.), where he turned a struggling team into annual national championship contenders. He took over the Hurricane program in 1979 and posted a 9-3 record in his second season at the school. Miami won its first national title in 1983, defeating Nebraska, 31-30, in the Orange Bowl. Schnellenberger left after the 1983 season and was replaced by Jimmy Johnson.

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