| Shenandoah's first year in
the ODAC was a struggle, as the Hornets went 1-9 overall, 0-7 in
the league. Shenandoah athletics photo |
Shenandoah athletic director Doug Zipp announced Monday that Paul Barnes has been released from his position as head football coach.
Barnes, the Hornets head coach for the past 11 seasons, departs the program with a 41-70 record.
The Baltimore native took over the helm of the program after program founder Walter Barr's resignation following the conclusion of the 2001 campaign and led the team to USA South Conference co-championships in both 2003 and 2004.
In 2004, SU appeared in the NCAA playoffs after winning the USA South with a 5-1 league mark. The 7-4 overall record stands as the second-most successful season in program history, just after the 2003 team and its 8-2 record. That squad was also 5-1 in the USA South.
Barnes was named as both the USA South and Virginia State Sports Information Directors Coach of the Year following the 2004 season.
The Hornets slipped to a 1-9 record in 2005 and a 6-4 mark in 2011 was the program's best record since that NCAA playoff appearance campaign.
Shenandoah finished the 2012 season, its first in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, this past Saturday with a 1-9 record. The lone win came in a 26-16 victory at Stevenson in the season opener.
"There are times when we have to evaluate each athletic program, where we are and where we are headed," Zipp said. "In order for our football program to move forward on a more consistent basis, a change is needed in the leadership of the program.
"I want to thank Paul for all he has done for the program and for Shenandoah," Zipp said.
"He worked tirelessly to help us build this program and we will always appreciate everything he has done for the department and the university. He has formed relationships with student-athletes that he and those student-athletes will cherish for a lifetime."
Zipp made the decision to dismiss Barnes in consultation with SU president Tracy Fitzsimmons.
"I want to also thank Paul for his years of service to the university," Fitzsimmons said. "He has dedicated not only his time and effort, but his heart to our football program. Since he joined the university, he has always been willing to lend a hand with whatever project we were undertaking to advance the institution's goals.
"I will be forever grateful for everything he has done for Shenandoah."
Zipp indicated that Brock McCullough, Brian Wolf, Joe Jacoby and Kalvin Oliver, Barnes' full-time assistants, would remain on staff until a new head coach is selected.
McCullough will serve as interim head coach until the new coach is selected.
A national search for a head coach will commence immediately.