Colleges

McCarney quits at Iowa State

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published November 9, 2006

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State coach Dan McCarney resigned Wednesday after 12 seasons, leaving the program after one its most disappointing years.

McCarney, the Big 12's longest tenured coach, will coach the final two games of the season.

"Sometimes, you just know its time," said McCarney, under contract through 2010. "As hard as it is to say that - especially because I know that this department is on the cusp of some special things - I realize it is time for different leadership."

He is 55-84 at Iowa State, including 26-67 in the Big 12, and guided the program through one of its most successful periods.

Speculation about McCarney's future had been heating up. The Cyclones (3-7, 0-6), who were expected to compete in the Big 12 North with an experienced offense, have lost seven straight games to Division I-A opponents - by an average of 20 points - and are one of two teams from BCS conferences to start 0-6 in league play.

McCarney led the Cyclones to a bowl game last season for the fifth time in six years. Iowa State had gone 22 years without a postseason appearance.

But last week's 41-10 home loss to Kansas eliminated the Cyclones from bowl eligibility.

The Cyclones play Saturday at Colorado and finish the season Nov. 18 at home against Missouri.

"It is with sadness that I accept Dan's decision," athletic director Jamie Pollard said. "I had hoped to see Coach McCarney lead the Cyclones successfully for many more years. But, it's the true measure of this man that he was unselfish in assessing what was best for Iowa State."

Iowa State came within one win of reaching its first Big 12 title game in each of the last two seasons, only to lose the season finale.

McCarney is the third major coaching change at Iowa State since Pollard took over in September 2005. Pollard fired men's basketball coach Wayne Morgan in March after the Cyclones finished 16-14 and missed the postseason. Pollard promoted Cael Sanderson to head wrestling coach that month.

KENTUCKY: The SEC fined the Wildcats $5,000 because fans stormed the field at Commonwealth Stadium and removed a goal post Saturday after the Wildcats defeated Georgia.

Under SEC policy, spectators aren't allowed to enter a "competition area" before, during or after the game. Subsequent violations before 2009 could result in fines of $25,000 or $50,000, the SEC said.

"This policy is designed to create a safe environment for everyone who participates and attends our athletic contests," SEC commissioner Mike Slive said. "I understand the exuberance of the moment but the security and protection of our student-athletes, coaches, officials and fans is our primary concern."

NORTH TEXAS: Coach Darrell Dickey was fired with the Mean Green already assured their second straight losing season since winning four Sun Belt Conference titles in a row. Dickey, who has three years left on his contract, is expected to coach the final three games. He is 41-62 in nine seasons.

[Last modified November 9, 2006, 05:39:48]