Nov. 12, 2007
Cullowhee, N.C. - The following is a statement released today by Western Carolina Director of Athletics, Chip Smith, regarding WCU head football coach, Kent Briggs:
"Western Carolina University head football coach Kent Briggs will be relieved of coaching responsibilities and assigned to another university position following WCU's football game with Furman University on Saturday, November 17.
I will begin a national search for a new head football coach immediately.
I informed Coach Briggs, the assistant coaches, the Catamount football players and the University's executive administration of this action today. The specific reassignment is under discussion and will be announced soon.
This has been a hard decision to make. Kent is a hard worker and he and his family are respected members of the university community.
This has been a difficult and trying season for everyone associated with Catamount football. As has been widely known, the football program has been under continuous evaluation for an extended period of time. There have been on-field improvements, but overall the program has not progressed as we all had hoped.
The support that has been demonstrated by the University, our students and fans; the academic reputation of the institution; and the opportunity to compete in the Southern Conference, one of the nation's toughest athletic conferences, are all assets that will aid us in the search for a new head coach."
Chip Smith
Director of Athletics
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"I'm a Catamount - will always be a Catamount. This is a great University and I appreciate the privilege to have been the head coach here. It will always hurt my heart that we did not turn the corner with regards to the win-loss record, but I believe we are very close. In fact, the future is bright and great things are going to happen.
People have questioned me not resigning my position before the season was over. But, we preach never quitting, never giving up and fighting through the fourth quarter to our players. How could I have looked them in the eye and tell them to fight until the last whistle blows when I had not.
We have one more game remaining this season. My total focus will be on Furman and we will fight till the end."
