JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas was fired Monday, and the university said in a news release that a search for a replacement will begin immediately.
The Braves finished the season 2-8 after Saturday’s 31-19 loss to rival Jackson State, giving Thomas a 47-62 record in 10 years. University officials are talking with the Alcorn State alum about hiring him in another position.
Thomas had 16 starters returning and said before the season he hoped to field a Southwestern Athletic Conference contender. Nothing went as planned, though, and the Braves started 0-5 before losing three of their last four.
“University officials in a private meeting with Coach Thomas thanked him for his unwavering services to the university and discussed other non-coaching options,” the statement said.
Messages left for Thomas and Alcorn State interim athletic director Wiley Jones were not immediately returned.
Thomas fielded five winning teams since the Braves went 0-11 in 2000, but never surpassed seven wins in a season. The school in tiny Lorman is best known for former quarterback Steve McNair, now with the Baltimore Ravens.
Thomas took over at Alcorn State in 1998 after a nine-year break from coaching. He had served as an assistant professor of health and physical education at Arkansas-Pine Bluff before taking over at his alma mater.
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