Larry Coker Named Interim Head Football Coach

Jan. 29, 2001

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CORAL GABLES, Fl (www.hurricanesports.com) -A statement from University of Miami athletics director Paul Dee concerning the status of head football coach Butch Davis:

“Head football coach Butch Davis submitted his resignation this morning. The University of Miami is grateful for the contributions he has made to the football program and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

“As for the future of Miami football, we are confident that this program will continue to strive on and off the field. There is a high standard of excellence at Miami, one that our student-athletes have created through their successes in the past, and we are confident that University of Miami football will remain at a nationally competitive level.”

“I have named offensive coordinator Larry Coker as the interim head football coach to guide the program .”

Comments from interim head coach Larry Coker: “I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to guide the football program. I know the University and the athletic department will conduct a thorough search for a new head coach. The players and coaches at UM will overcome whatever obstacles are placed in front of them. I relish the opportunity I’ve been given and I hope I am given consideration for the head coaching job. For now, we will continue to work hard on the recruits we have committed and I am confident that we will end up with an outstanding recruiting class.”

Comments from quarterback Ken Dorsey:“Well, it’s a shock but it’s not a total surprise. One of the main reasons I came to UM was to play under a coach with the reputation that Coach Davis has. While I’m disappointed that he’s leaving, I know he had to make a decision that was best for him and his family. We certainly wish him the best of success in the future. I know I remain a fan of Coach Davis and I know we will ride this out as a team. This program has had a lot of success in the past and it’s bigger than just one person. While there is some shock to his leaving, we are confident that we will continue to be successful.”

Comments from offensive lineman Joaquin Gonzalez:“The first thing we have to realize is that Coach Davis didn’t play on Saturday. But that’s not to take anything away from what an amazing job Coach Davis did here. He built up something here that now stands for something. His leaving doesn’t mean we’re not going to be good. We just need to step up and not miss a beat. The situation is what it is. We can’t change it and we just have to go on, business as usual.”