The Middle Tennessee State football team finished the year with a 4-8 record after defeating UTEP in the final weekend of the regular season. On Monday, the decision came to part ways with head coach Rick Stockstill in a statement released by the athletics department. The move comes after Stockstill had just two winnings seasons in the last five years.

‘Middle Tennessee Director of Athletics Chris Massaro announced Monday that Rick Stockstill has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Blue Raider football program. Stockstill was hired in December 2005 and led the program for 18 seasons.'

Chris Massaro, the Director of Athletics for Middle Tennessee State, gave some touching words to Stockstill after the announcement came:

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“This is one of the most difficult days in my tenure, but one I feel is necessary in our aspiration to compete and win championships. I appreciate everything Rick, his wife Sara, and their family have done the last 18 years for MTSU Athletics, our football program, and, more importantly, our student-athletes. Because of his leadership, our student-athletes have performed at a high level in the classroom, have dedicated time and energy to supporting our community and have given us countless hours of dedication to being successful on the football field. I want to thank Coach Stockstill for his professionalism, character and dedication, and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Stockstill had been the head coach for the Middle Tennessee State football program since 2005 and finishes with a career record of 113-111 with 10 trips to a bowl game during his tenure. Now, Middle Tennessee State joins the growing list of programs searching for a head coach, which includes Oregon State, Boise State, and others.