Mike Collins steps down as defensive coordinator at ULM

Days before the Warhawks are scheduled to play their first game, ULM defensive coordinator Mike Collins has announced he is stepping down.

Collins' statement read as follows:

There comes a time for everyone when you figure things out and realize it's time to step away, and that time has come for me. Every day I ask our players to give me their very best, and now, I know that I can't do it for them. What I have to give them right now isn't good enough. The timing isn't ideal, but I want to provide Coach (Matt) Viator, our coaches and players the best chance to move forward.

It has been an unbelievably emotionally and physically draining year for me. I pride myself in coaching with great passion and I just can't provide that for our players right now. I'm at peace with my decision and feel great inside and out.

I appreciate the opportunity Coach Viator gave me to return to my alma mater and coach this great game. I love these players and this coaching staff, and they'll have no bigger fan than me this season.

Collins, 59, returned to his alma mater in 2016, serving as defensive coordinator the past four seasons. He previously served as defensive coordinator at Sam Houston State and McNeese State as well.

Collins has spent his coached at the college level for 35+ years in Louisiana and Texas.

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