New Mexico football coach Long steps down
11/17/2008
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ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (Ticker) -- Rocky Long on Monday stepped
down as New Mexico's football coach after an 11-year tenure. The winningest coach in program history, Long compiled a 65-69
record as the coach of his alma mater and guided the Lobos to
five bowl appearances since 2002. New Mexico made just six bowl
appearances from 1938-2001. "I really appreciate all the support of the loyal Lobo fans
throughout the years," said Long, who was a three-year starter
at quarterback for New Mexico from 1969-71. "I think the
football program has a solid foundation and is in a position to
really improve, given new leadership." "For as long as people talk about Lobos football, they'll talk
about Rocky Long, because for as long as we've been playing
football at UNM, no coach has been more of a winner than Rocky,
and his winning relationship with UNM goes back almost 40 years
now," school president David Schmidly said. The Lobos (4-8, 2-6 Mountain West) ended their season with a
20-6 loss at Colorado State last Saturday. It was their worst
campaign since 1998. "Coach Long's decision to step down was unexpected," vice
president of athletics Paul Krebs said. "We can't say enough
about the accomplishments and contributions that Rocky has made
to the University of New Mexico. "He is arguably the most successful coach in the history of Lobo
football. Because of Rocky's passion and devotion to his alma
mater, the program has been elevated, and we are optimistic
about the future."
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