Gary Goff will not return as McNeese's head coach, the program announced Monday. Goff, who came to Lake Charles, La., after going 22-3 at Division II Valdosta State, went 10-23 in three seasons on the job.
"After evaluating our football program, I felt a change in leadership was necessary. I appreciate Coach Goff's time at McNeese. During his three years with the program, he addressed many inherited, off-field issues. He's a good coach, and I wish him nothing but success moving forward," AD Heath Schroyer said in a statement.
However, Schroyer was not done.
Dozens of college athletics directors will fire their head football coaches this winter, but none will state their expectations more clearly than Schroyer.
"With the investment we have made in our football program and facilities over the last few years, we will not accept nor celebrate mediocrity. McNeese is a special place with a rich tradition. We have one of, if not the best, fan bases in FCS football. We should be competing for SLC championships and be nationally relevant!" he said.
"I will find a coach who not only accepts that standard, but embraces it."
McNeese leads the Southland Conference with 14 championships and 16 FCS playoff appearances, but the Cowboys have not done either since 2015.
After a 1-10 season in 2023 (the one win came via forfeit), McNeese went a respectable 6-6 this fall, but just 3-4 in conference play while UIW won the Southland for the third time in four seasons.
With such a bold statement to open its coaching search, McNeese should offer a salary equivalent to its institutional investment and expectations. If that's the case, this should be one of the most competitive openings in the FCS this cycle.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.