Miami of Ohio coach Montgomery resigns

Nov 29, 2008 - 6:57 PM OXFORD, Ohio (Ticker) -- Following a dismal 2-10 season, Miami of Ohio coach Sean Montgomery resigned on Saturday.

After succeeding Terry Hoeppner at Miami in 2005, Montgomery posted a four-year record of 17-31 with the RedHawks, including a 12-18 mark in the Mid-American Conference.

"Shane Montgomery is an extraordinary person who has contributed to our department, university and community in exceptional ways," Miami athletic director Brad Bates said.

"Ultimately, however, our responsibility to Miami University is to maximize our students' development and we believe that winning championships facilitates student growth in substantial and meaningful ways."

Montgomery, 41, guided the RedHawks to a 7-4 record in his first season and a share of the MAC East Division title, but was unable to duplicate that success in his subsequent years. Miami also went 2-10 in 2006 and 6-7 last season.

Despite the sub-.500 record last year, Miami won the MAC East title but lost to Central Michigan, 35-10, in the MAC title game.

"Unfortunately, the football team has not achieved the level of success that we expect at Miami, and Brad Bates believes that the program needs a new direction," Miami president David Hodge said.

Prior to taking the head coaching job, Montgomery spent four seasons as an assistant at Miami.

The RedHawks dropped their final five games this season, including a 41-26 loss to Ohio on Friday.