USU Head Football Coach Fired after 5 Seasons

Nov. 8, 2004 Logan, UT - Randy Spetman, Utah State University director of athletics, announced on Monday that head football coach Mick Dennehy will be relieved of his duties as head coach effective at the end of the 2004 season. The Aggies have a game at Arkansas State this Thursday night and the home finale against New Mexico State on November 20. Mick Dennehy will coach both of those games. Dennehy is in his fifth season at Utah State (18-36 record). The Aggies were 5-6 in his first season before posting back-to-back 4-7 marks and finishing with a 3-9 record last season. Randy Spetman announced that Coach Dennehy has one more year remaining on his contract extension which was made after the 2001 season. That contract will be honored by the University. "While we haven't had the winning success that we have hoped for, I am very appreciative of the dedication from Mick and his family to the program, including in the areas of academics and the welfare of our student-athletes," Spetman said. Dennehy was named the Aggies head coach on Dec. 3, 1999 becoming the 24th coach in the 113 years of USU football. His five seasons at USU are tied for the sixth most in school history, while his 18 wins are tied for ninth. Mick Dennehy Response "(Utah State director of athletics) Randy Spetman has an incredibly tough job with his biggest priority being the building of facilities. I completely understand his decision and only wish that I could have done more to help him with this major undertaking. "Sheila and I have thoroughly enjoyed our relationship with Utah State University and the people of Cache Valley. Coming to work every day was a pleasure because of the quality of the people we had an opportunity to work with. I would especially like to thank the coaches and the players for all of their effort. "For the many records we set on the field and the tremendous amount of improvement the kids have made academically and off the field, we struggled in the bottom line and wins and losses are important. In the end, we didn't win enough. "I would like to wish Utah State University the best in the future."