Glanville resigns as Portland State coach

Nov 17, 2009 - 10:04 PM By ANNE M. PETERSON AP Sports Writer

PORTLAND, Ore.(AP) -- Jerry Glanville has resigned as head coach of the Portland State Vikings after three losing seasons.

This past season, Portland State went 2-9 overall and 1-7 in the Big Sky Conference. Over Glanville's tenure the Vikings went 9-24.

Glanville, who coached in the NFL and was known for his 3-4 defense as well as a penchant for wearing black, was not available for comment Tuesday.

Portland State athletic director Torre Chisholm said he and Glanville mutually agreed on his resignation late Monday night.

He praised Glanville, 68, for his commitment.

"He brought an energy level and a sense of character to our program," Chisholm said. "It was infectious."

In the end, however, Glanville's gregarious energy did not translate into wins on the field.

"Obviously, our fans want to see results. They told us that with their pocketbooks by not attending games."

Defensive end Carl Sommer said the losses took a toll on Glanville.

"He's not a quitter," Sommer said. "But I think his time was up with this one."

Glanville was hired by the Vikings in 2007 after two seasons as defensive coordinator at Hawaii under June Jones. He replaced Tim Walsh, who took a job as offensive coordinator at Army after 14 seasons with the Vikings.

Glanville hired former Portland State coach Mouse Davis as his offensive coordinator, and it was hoped that the Vikings would succeed under Glanville's defense and Davis' run-and-shoot offense.

Davis retired last offseason.

Glanville was head coach of the Houston Oilers from 1986-89 and the Atlanta Falcons from 1990-93. For many years he also served as a broadcaster.

Chisholm said the search for a new head coach would begin immediately, and he hoped to have the position filled by early December.