NC State fires head coach O'Brien

Nov 26, 2012 - 12:43 AM Raleigh, NC (Sports Network) - North Carolina State relieved head football coach Tom O'Brien of his duties on Sunday following a string of three losses in the Wolfpack's final five games.

The Wolfpack achieved their third consecutive winning season under O'Brien, hired in December of 2006 following a successful 10-year stint with fellow Atlantic Coast Conference member Boston College, after Saturday's 27-10 victory over his former Eagles squad upped their record to 7-5. However, the program could never reach above mid-pack status in the ACC in his six seasons at the helm.

O"Brien compiled a 40-35 overall record at NC State, but went just 22-26 in ACC play and won only once in 15 road games against Atlantic Division members.

"Coach O'Brien's service to NC State over the last six years has been sincerely appreciated by Wolfpack Nation," said athletic director Deborah A. Yow in a statement. "We especially appreciate his attention toward NCAA rules compliance, a value that will continue to be held by NC State. We wish him well in future pursuits."

O'Brien's best season at NC State came in 2010, when the Wolfpack amassed a 9-4 mark capped by a 23-7 triumph over West Virginia in the Champs Sports Bowl. His 2011 team also won its postseason game, a 31-24 decision over Louisville in the Belk Bowl, to finish at 8-5.

Counting his tenure at Boston College, O'Brien has gone 8-2 in bowl games and owns a 115-80 overall record in 16 seasons as a head coach.

"I appreciate the opportunity to have coached at North Carolina State University and I feel that the program is in a better place now than when I started," said O'Brien. "I'm proud of the young men that I have coached here, for their accomplishments on the field and in the classroom. Wolfpack football is as sound academically as it's ever been with a (single year) APR of 990 to be reported this spring. I appreciate all of my coaches and wish them the best and I look forward to life after football."

Offensive coordinator Dana Bible will serve as interim head coach for the Wolfpack's upcoming bowl matchup, which is yet to be determined.