San Diego State dismisses coach Long

Nov 24, 2008 - 1:05 AM SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- After a dismal 2-10 season, San Diego State fired football coach Chuck Long on Sunday.

The school made the announcement during a news conference, saying the program needed to go in a different direction.

"We felt, moving forward, a change was needed," Aztecs senior associate athletic director Don Oberhelman said. "A change in leadership, a change in direction."

Oberhelman was speaking on behalf on San Diego State athletic director Jeff Schemmel, who was scheduled to undergo surgery later Sunday.

A former quarterback at Iowa, Long was informed on the school's decision on Saturday.

San Diego State finished its season with a 42-21 win over Nevada-Las Vegas on Saturday, but it was not enough for Long to save his job.

The Aztecs lost 10 games this season for the first time in school history and endured a seven-game losing streak before beating UNLV - their longest slide since 1993.

San Diego State lost lost seven games by at least 25 points this season, including a 70-7 defeat at New Mexico in which the Aztecs allowed the most points in school history.

Long posted a three-year record of just 9-27 at San Diego State.

"I assure you, brighter days are ahead for the Aztecs," Oberhelman added. "We're determined to bring football up to the same level of standards and success that are enjoyed by so many of our 17 other intercollegiate sports that we have at San Diego State."

The Aztecs immediately will begin a national search to find Long's replacement.