UMass will name head football coach Thursday

Dec 8, 2011 - 1:58 AM Amherst, MA (Sports Network) - The University of Massachusetts will name a new head football coach on Thursday, a school spokesman confirmed.

Massachusetts has called a 4 p.m. (et) press conference at Gillette Stadium to introduce the coach that will lead the Minutemen in their first season as an FBS program.

Reports indicate that Notre Dame offensive coordinator Charley Molnar is a likely candidate to take the job.

UMass fired Kevin Morris as head coach last month after he went 16-17 in three years, including 5-6 this past season.

The Minutemen will play in the Mid-American Conference next season as a football-only school but won't be eligible for the MAC Championship or a bowl game until 2013.