Massachusetts fires football coach Morris

Nov 21, 2011 - 5:22 PM Amherst, MA (Sports Network) - Massachusetts head coach Kevin Morris has been released from his contract, director of athletics John McCutheon announced on Monday.

A national search is already underway, and the new coach will lead UMass in its first season of FBS play next season. The Minutemen will play in the Mid- American Conference.

"I thank Kevin for his hard work during his eight years with the UMass football program including the last three as head coach," McCutcheon said. "With the transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Mid-American Conference, I felt it was important for the program to have a new direction in leadership."

UMass will join the MAC next season as a football-only member and will not be eligible for the MAC Championship or a bowl game until 2013.

Morris went 16-17 in his three seasons leading the Minutemen, including a 5-6 campaign this year. Previously, he served as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for five seasons (2004-08).

"I was looking forward to taking UMass to the Football Bowl Subdivision and was building the program to do just that," Morris said. "The players here are willing to do the work and will be ready to compete at the highest level. I am disappointed that my staff will not be able to finish what they started. They are an outstanding group of coaches and were tireless workers in effort to give the student-athletes the best possible college football experience. John McCutcheon felt it was time for a change and although I am disappointed with the decision, I do thank him and his staff for the opportunity to help shape the lives of UMass football players."

Morris had two years remaining on his contract.