The Rice Owls will have a new head football coach on the sidelines in 2018. Longtime head coach David Bailiff was fired on Monday after 11 seasons with the program.
The Owls had struggled in recent years, culminating with a 1-11 finish this season with their only win coming against UTEP.
Bailiff came over from Texas State and had initial early success with the Owls, guiding the team to a bowl game win in 2008. He also was the first coach in program history to lead Rice to three straight bowl berths from 2012 through 2014. The 2014 season ended with the Owls winning the Conference USA title this season.
However, he had struggled to find that same winning streak in the last three seasons.
Director of Athletics Joe Karlgaard gives his opening remarks at today’s presser. pic.twitter.com/iNdIHpKiQA
— Rice Football (@RiceFootball) November 27, 2017
In a statement, Bailiff said the following:
“Every coach knows that, in the end, it comes down to wins and losses. I know every member of our staff and every player on our team came into the season with the highest of expectations, but when those expectations are not met, changes will be made. I have enjoyed an amazing 11 years at Rice and been blessed to offer so many outstanding young men a chance to gain a great education and bring Rice many great moments on the field. My sincerest hope is that the current players and those who will join them in the future can find even greater success in the years to come.”
Athletic director Joe Karlgaard also said that the search would begin immediately for a new head coach.
“I am confident we have the building blocks in place to achieve our competitive aspirations and that we’ll attract a strong pool of candidates who believe in the powerful potential of this program,” he stated.
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